Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demanded a united West African front to condemn xenophobic attacks on Africans in South Africa, calling the violence unacceptable. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the 69th ECOWAS summit on Sunday.
Nigeria has evacuated over 1,490 citizens in seven batches amid recent attacks that killed at least two Nigerians. Protests and violence surged in June and July 2026, fueled by high unemployment and anti-immigrant sentiment.
“Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa,” president Tinubu said in a statement. “ECOWAS should present a united voice in this condemnation.”
Tinubu, via Shettima, urged leaders to table the matter at the African Union. He reminded South Africa that its freedom resulted from sacrifices by African nations, including Nigeria.
The summit at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre focused on the new ECOWAS Compact for regional integration. Leaders discussed security, trade, and democratic governance amid ongoing challenges. thenationonlineng.net
“As the largest economy… Nigeria remains steadfast in its historic responsibility to continue the promotion of regional unity, peace, economic integration, and democratic governance,” Tinubu said.
Nigeria backs stronger counter-terrorism efforts, a digital single market, and free movement of goods and people. The Compact aims to create a resilient community for over 400 million citizens.
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, ECOWAS Chairman, stressed adapting to new realities for a peaceful, integrated West Africa. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed pledged support against terrorism.
Highpoint of the meeting included signing an agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project.
The renewed xenophobia has strained relations, with Nigeria and Ghana pushing for AU action. South African authorities face criticism for inadequate protection of migrants.
