President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on other African countries to lend their voices to unanimously condemn the ongoing Afro-phobic attacks, also known as xenophobia, in South Africa.
A united voice, according to the Nigerian leader, will send a clear message to that Southern African country that such intolerance is absolutely not acceptable under any form.
Speaking in Freetown, Sierra Leone, during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, informed the African leaders that the Nigerian government had “already evacuated over 1,490 of its citizens from harm’s way in seven batches and is prepared to engage further on this matter.”
In a statement by the spokesman of the vice president, Stanley Nkwocha, he also declared Nigeria’s support for the newly developed ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, noting that the document reinforces the region’s “shared commitment to rebuilding trust between citizens and public institutions, ensuring that regional integration remains resilient and relevant in the face of evolving geopolitical realities.”
Decrying the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the Nigerian leader said, “Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa. As already stated by His Excellency, the President of Ghana, ECOWAS should present a united voice in this condemnation and table the matter before the next session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
“This would send a clear message that this type of intolerance is totally unacceptable under any guise. South Africa should be reminded that the freedom it currently enjoys is the result of the sacrifices and liberation efforts of African countries, including Nigeria.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, noting that while the document represents a significant milestone in the regional integration journey, it also reflects ECOWAS Member States’ collective resolve to renew the ideals of the regional body.
The Compact, President Tinubu noted, will “strengthen regional solidarity, and build a more resilient, prosperous, peaceful, and people-centred Community capable of meeting the aspirations of its over 400 million citizens.”
The Nigerian leader also urged the West African leaders to intensify collective action against insecurity and unconstitutional governance as reflected in the Compact.
He said, “As the largest economy and one of the key founding members of our Regional Economic Community, Nigeria remains steadfast in its historic responsibility to continue the promotion of regional unity, peace, economic integration, and democratic governance.
“Nigeria will continue to work closely with Member States and all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Compact and the realisation of its six strategic pillars.”
Addressing political stability, President Tinubu urged ECOWAS to continue promoting constitutional Government, the rule of law and compliance with the regional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
