President Bola Tinubu has urged African nations to speak with one voice in condemning the recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Tinubu said a united continental response would send a strong message that such intolerance has no place in Africa.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, the President said Nigeria had already evacuated more than 1,490 citizens in seven batches from South Africa and remained ready to take further action.
“Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa,” Tinubu said.
He backed Ghana’s call for ECOWAS to present a united position and raise the matter at the next African Union summit.
Tinubu also reminded South Africa that the freedom it enjoys today was achieved through the sacrifices and liberation efforts of several African countries, including Nigeria.
Beyond the xenophobia issue, the President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a roadmap for strengthening regional solidarity, democratic governance, economic integration and peace across West Africa.
He called for stronger cooperation against terrorism, intelligence sharing and the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Counter Terrorism Force and Standby Force to tackle growing security threats in the region.
Tinubu also emphasised the importance of removing trade barriers, improving cross-border infrastructure and advancing digital transformation through initiatives such as a regional digital single market, artificial intelligence frameworks and cybersecurity cooperation.
He further pledged Nigeria’s continued support for gender equality, youth empowerment, education and entrepreneurship as part of efforts to build a more prosperous and people-centred ECOWAS.
Earlier, Sierra Leone’s President and ECOWAS Chairman, Julius Maada Bio, said the regional bloc must adapt to changing global realities and deepen integration to safeguard West Africa’s future.
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed also reaffirmed the UN’s support for ECOWAS initiatives, particularly efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen regional security.
The summit also witnessed the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project.
