President Bola Tinubu has petitioned the African Union (AU) over recurring xenophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa.
Tinubu made the request on Sunday in a speech delivered by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Luanda, Angola.
He said Nigeria’s concern over the attacks should be placed on the agenda of the AU’s 40th Ordinary Session scheduled for January 2027.
“It is on this note that Nigeria calls on this august Assembly to place the matter on the agenda,” NAN quoted him as saying.
Tinubu said the attacks threaten African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence, adding that continental leaders must respond collectively.
While recognising South Africa’s right to enforce its immigration laws and its contributions to the continent’s development, Tinubu urged African countries to protect the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of their citizens across national borders.
He called for greater use of dialogue, preventive diplomacy and collective action to confront xenophobia and Afrophobia on the continent.
The president said a continental response would help address recurring attacks and promote peaceful coexistence among Africans.
Tinubu warns against external interference in African conflicts
On security, Tinubu backed the adoption of the Luanda Action Plan, describing conflict prevention as a more sustainable approach to addressing crises on the continent.
“For Nigeria, conflict prevention remains more cost-effective and sustainable than conflict management,” he said.
He warned that fragmented peace initiatives and increasing reliance on foreign military forces, mercenaries and private defence contractors could weaken African-led efforts to resolve conflicts.
“The growing reliance on external actors risks weakening African institutions and the principle of African ownership,” he said.
Tinubu also called on arms-producing and exporting countries to work more closely with African states to prevent weapons and ammunition from reaching terrorist groups and other non-state armed groups.
He said the AU already has mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution, but their effectiveness has been affected by limited trust and inconsistent implementation.
The president urged member states to strengthen cooperation and take greater collective responsibility for the continent’s peace and security
Credit: The Cable
