President Bola Tinubu has asked the African Union (AU) to
address recurring xenophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in
South Africa.
Tinubu made the request on Sunday in a speech delivered by
Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU
Assembly in Luanda, Angola.
He said Nigeria’s concern over the attacks should be placed
on the agenda of the AU’s 40th Ordinary Session scheduled for January 2027.
“It is on this note that Nigeria calls on this august
Assembly to place the matter on the agenda,” NAN quoted him as saying.
Tinubu said the attacks threaten African solidarity, unity
and peaceful coexistence, adding that continental leaders must respond
collectively.
While recognising South Africa’s right to enforce its
immigration laws and its contributions to the continent’s development, Tinubu
urged African countries to protect the safety, dignity and fundamental rights
of their citizens across national borders.
He called for greater use of dialogue, preventive diplomacy
and collective action to confront xenophobia and Afrophobia on the continent.
The president said a continental response would help address
recurring attacks and promote peaceful coexistence among Africans.
Tinubu warns against external interference in African
conflicts
On security, Tinubu backed the adoption of the Luanda Action
Plan, describing conflict prevention as a more sustainable approach to
addressing crises on the continent.
“For Nigeria, conflict prevention remains more
cost-effective and sustainable than conflict management,” he said.
He warned that fragmented peace initiatives and increasing
reliance on foreign military forces, mercenaries and private defence
contractors could weaken African-led efforts to resolve conflicts.
“The growing reliance on external actors risks weakening
African institutions and the principle of African ownership,” he said.
Tinubu also called on arms-producing and exporting countries
to work more closely with African states to prevent weapons and ammunition from
reaching terrorist groups and other non-state armed groups.
He said the AU already has mechanisms for conflict
prevention and resolution, but their effectiveness has been affected by limited
trust and inconsistent implementation.
The president urged member states to strengthen cooperation
and take greater collective responsibility for the continent’s peace and
security.
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