President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally raised concerns over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other foreign nationals in South Africa before the African Union (AU).

Tinubu warned that the incidents threaten Africa’s solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence, while calling for urgent collective action by African leaders to address the situation.

The President made Nigeria’s position known in a message delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Luanda, Angola.

Representing Tinubu at the continental summit, Shettima conveyed Nigeria’s concern over what the President described as repeated attacks targeting Africans and other nationals in South Africa.

“Nigeria wishes to express its concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa,” Tinubu said.

The President called on African leaders to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of all African nationals, regardless of their country of origin.

He also requested prompt collective action by the continent’s leaders, including consideration of the issue at the 40th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union.

Tinubu stressed the need for African countries to work together to strengthen peaceful coexistence and prevent developments capable of undermining the unity and integration of the continent.

The Nigerian government’s position comes amid longstanding concerns over attacks and hostility directed at foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, particularly migrants from other African countries.

Nigeria has consistently advocated stronger continental cooperation in addressing xenophobia, protecting African citizens abroad and advancing the principles of African unity and integration.