Tinubu: Reports South Africa AU Xenophobia, Demands AU Agenda Item

• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally reported xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa to the African Union.
• Nigeria requested the issue be placed on the agenda for the 40th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in January 2027.
• The message, delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima, warned that the attacks undermine continental solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
• Nigeria emphasized that dialogue, diplomacy, and collective action are crucial for preserving African unity.
• Nigeria also backed the Luanda Action Plan for conflict prevention and called for renewed commitment to African ownership in security matters.

Nigeria firmly asserted that the ongoing attacks undermine the fundamental principles of African solidarity and peaceful coexistence.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has formally brought the issue of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks occurring in South Africa to the attention of the African Union. These incidents, which target Africans and other foreign nationals, were highlighted by Nigeria as detrimental to the continent's solidarity, unity, and peaceful coexistence. The Nigerian leader specifically called for immediate action from African heads of state and requested that this critical matter be included on the agenda for the upcoming 40th Ordinary Session of the Assembly.

Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered President Tinubu's message during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, which took place in Luanda, Angola. In his address, Shettima conveyed Nigeria's deep concern regarding the recurring nature of these attacks. The request for the issue to be formally considered by the AU Assembly underscores Nigeria's view that such violence demands urgent collective attention from all member states, aiming to reaffirm a commitment to the safety, protection, and dignity of all African nationals.

While acknowledging South Africa's sovereign authority to enforce its immigration laws and recognizing its significant contributions to the African continent, Nigeria firmly asserted that the ongoing attacks undermine the fundamental principles of African solidarity and peaceful coexistence. President Tinubu, through his representative, emphasized the necessity of stronger continental efforts to combat both xenophobia and Afrophobia. He articulated that dialogue, diplomacy, and collective action are indispensable tools for safeguarding African unity in the face of these challenges.

Beyond the specific issue of xenophobia, Nigeria also voiced its support for the adoption of the Luanda Action Plan, viewing it as a practical framework for enhancing conflict prevention across the continent. The nation's stance is that preventing conflicts is a more cost-effective and sustainable approach than merely managing their aftermath. Nigeria further cautioned that fragmented peace initiatives and increasing external involvement, including the deployment of foreign military forces, mercenaries, and private defense contractors, risk weakening the African Union's established conflict prevention mechanisms and eroding the crucial principle of African ownership in resolving its own issues.

The Nigerian leader underscored that despite the African Union possessing robust frameworks for conflict prevention and resolution, their effectiveness is frequently hampered by limited trust among member states and inconsistent implementation. He warned that an increasing reliance on external actors poses a significant threat to the strength of African institutions and the core principle of African ownership in addressing its challenges. Consequently, President Tinubu urged member states to recommit to their collective responsibility for ensuring peace and security throughout Africa.

To bolster the continent's capacity to respond effectively to crises, Nigeria advocated for sustainable and predictable financing for AU peace operations. Furthermore, the nation supported the full operationalization of UN Security Council Resolution 2719. President Tinubu concluded by appealing to African leaders to renew their dedication to home-grown solutions, foster stronger cooperation, and embrace shared responsibility in confronting the complex security challenges facing the continent. The 40th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, scheduled for January 2027, is expected to provide a platform for these discussions.

This diplomatic action by Nigeria signals increased international scrutiny on South Africa's handling of xenophobia, potentially influencing future human rights compliance expectations for businesses and investors in the region. Lawyers should advise clients to monitor for evolving international legal frameworks or heightened due diligence requirements related to social stability and human rights.

Source: Original reporting via Daily Trust