Protesters hold sticks and flags while chanting slogans as they march during a demonstration by the “March and March” and Operation Dudula movements marking an unofficial deadline set by citizen-led groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa, in Johannesburg, on June 30, 2026. South African police deployed to head off unrest and protests on June 30, 2026, the unofficial deadline set by anti-immigrant groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave that has already pushed thousands to flee.
Officers were out in force to prevent violence and looting by the xenophobic groups, while hundreds of foreign nationals took refuge in several cities, urgently seeking help to leave. (Photo by EMMANUEL CROSET / AFP)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally raised Nigeria’s concerns over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa before the African Union (AU), urging continental leaders to take decisive action.

Tinubu’s position was conveyed by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Luanda, Angola, on Sunday. The President called on the AU to place the issue on the agenda of its 40th Ordinary Session scheduled for January 2027.

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Representing Tinubu at the continental gathering, Shettima said Nigeria recognised South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws and acknowledged the country’s contributions to Africa, but stressed that attacks targeting Africans undermine the principles of continental unity and peaceful coexistence.

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

“While recognising South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws and acknowledging its contributions to the continent, Nigeria stresses that such attacks undermine African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence, and require urgent collective attention,” Tinubu said.

The President urged African leaders to strengthen efforts against xenophobia and Afrophobia, stressing the importance of dialogue, preventive diplomacy and collective action in protecting the safety, dignity and rights of African nationals across the continent.

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On the broader security situation in Africa, Nigeria backed the adoption of the Luanda Action Plan as a practical framework for strengthening conflict prevention and resolving emerging crises before they escalate.

Tinubu argued that conflict prevention was more sustainable and cost-effective than managing conflicts after they had erupted.

“For Nigeria, conflict prevention remains more cost-effective and sustainable than conflict management,” he said.

The President also expressed concern over increasing reliance on external military actors, mercenaries and private defence contractors, warning that such interventions could weaken African institutions and undermine the principle of African ownership of the continent’s peace and security efforts.

He called on arms-producing and exporting countries to strengthen cooperation with African nations and prevent weapons and ammunition produced within their territories from falling into the hands of terrorists and other non-state armed groups.

Tinubu further advocated sustainable and predictable financing for AU peace operations and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which provides a framework for financing AU-led peace support operations.

The President acknowledged that the AU possesses mechanisms for preventing and resolving conflicts but said limited trust and inconsistent implementation had weakened their effectiveness.

He urged African leaders to renew their commitment to home-grown solutions, stronger cooperation and shared responsibility in tackling the continent’s security challenges.

“Let us therefore renew our collective commitment to solidarity, cooperation, and shared responsibility as we build the Africa we want,” Tinubu said.