Nigerian President Bola Tinubu urged the African Union to act collectively against xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on Africans in South Africa.
His remarks were delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Luanda.
Nigeria proposed placing the issue on the agenda of the 40th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, set for January 2027.
Tinubu called on African leaders to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and rights of all African citizens.
Nigeria acknowledged South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce immigration laws and praised its contribution to continental development.
Still, Tinubu warned the attacks undermine African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence, demanding urgent collective attention.
Nigeria also backed the Luanda Plan of Action to strengthen conflict prevention across the continent.
Tinubu warned that fragmented peace efforts and foreign military involvement could weaken African-led conflict resolution mechanisms.