President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has again condemned the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, urging African leaders to take a united stand against violence targeting foreign nationals across the continent.
Tinubu’s position was presented on Sunday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The President said the continued attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals are unacceptable and called on the African Union (AU) to address the issue at its next summit.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria has already evacuated more than 1,490 citizens from South Africa through seven separate evacuation batches and remains ready to take additional measures if necessary.
“Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa.
“As already stated by His Excellency, the President of Ghana, ECOWAS should present a united voice in this condemnation and table the matter before the next session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
“This would send a clear message that this type of intolerance is totally unacceptable under any guise.”
Tinubu also reminded South Africa of the support it received from several African countries during its struggle against apartheid, noting that Nigeria played a significant role in the country’s liberation.
“South Africa should be reminded that the freedom it currently enjoys is the result of the sacrifices and liberation efforts of African countries, including Nigeria,” he said.
The President’s remarks come amid renewed anti-immigrant protests and xenophobic attacks that have forced many African nationals to flee parts of South Africa over safety concerns.
Nigeria has repeatedly condemned such attacks over the years and has consistently called for stronger protection of foreign nationals living and working in South Africa.
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