President Bola Tinubu has urged ECOWAS leaders to present a united front against Afro-phobic attacks following recent incidents targeting Nigerians and other African nationals 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 Sierra Leone, Tinubu said the regional bloc should collectively condemn the attacks and raise the issue at the next African Union summit. He stressed that violence against fellow Africans undermines the principles of unity, integration and Pan-African solidarity.
The President disclosed that Nigeria has already evacuated more than 1,490 citizens in seven batches from affected areas and remains committed to protecting its nationals. He also reminded South Africa of the support and sacrifices made by African countries, including Nigeria, during the anti-apartheid struggle.
Beyond the issue of Afro-phobia, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for democracy, constitutional governance and regional security cooperation. He urged West African leaders to focus on good governance, strengthen democratic institutions and work together to address terrorism and other threats facing the region.
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