President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has raised serious concerns about the ongoing xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa, a matter he formally reported to the African Union (AU). During a speech delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly held in Luanda, Angola, Tinubu called for immediate collective action from African leaders and stressed the necessity of placing these issues on the agenda for the upcoming 40th Ordinary Session of the Assembly in January 2027.
In his message, Tinubu highlighted that while South Africa has its sovereign right to enforce immigration laws and is an important contributor to the continent, the violence against foreign nationals threatens African unity and solidarity. He insisted on the need for robust continental responses, including dialogue and preventive diplomacy, to combat xenophobia and Afrophobia effectively. Tinubu advocated that it is imperative for African nations to commit to protecting the safety and dignity of all Africans.
Beyond immediate concerns regarding xenophobia, Tinubu addressed the broader security challenges facing the continent. He affirmed Nigeria’s support for the Luanda Action Plan as a viable strategy for conflict prevention, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness compared to conflict management. He warned that increased foreign interference, lack of trust among member states, and inconsistent implementation of AU mechanisms risk the efficacy of conflict prevention efforts, undermining the principle of African ownership.
He further urged arms-producing nations to collaborate more closely with African states to prevent the diversion of arms to terrorists and other non-state actors. Tinubu called for sustainable funding solutions for AU peace operations and reinforced his commitment to the operationalization of UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which is aimed at enhancing the AU’s capacity to respond to crises.
In conclusion, President Tinubu encouraged African leaders to renew their commitment to unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility in addressing the continent’s challenges. He emphasized the importance of developing home-grown solutions to conflict and security issues as Africa strives towards a better future.
Additionally, the presidency disclosed the rationale behind Tinubu’s recent three-week vacation to Europe, indicating it was intended to allow him time to rest after months of intense governance. His Special Adviser on Media, Sunday Dare, outlined that the vacation was also timed with the beginning of political activities related to the upcoming 2027 general elections, during which heightened engagement and campaigning would take place, all while continuing his governance responsibilities.
