President Bola Tinubu has called for a united African response to the recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, urging African leaders to collectively condemn the violence and demonstrate that intolerance against fellow Africans has no place on the continent.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration, democratic governance, security cooperation and economic development across West Africa.
According to a statement by the Media and Communications Department, Office of the Vice President, the President disclosed that Nigeria had already evacuated more than 1,490 of its citizens from South Africa in seven batches following the attacks and remained ready to take further diplomatic steps on the issue.
He urged ECOWAS to present a common position on the attacks and escalate the matter to the African Union, stressing that a united continental response would send a strong signal that xenophobia is unacceptable.
He reminded South Africa of the solidarity and sacrifices made by African nations, including Nigeria, during its struggle against apartheid, saying such historic support should inspire greater respect for fellow Africans.
Tinubu also pledged Nigeria’s full backing for the newly adopted ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a strategic framework that would deepen regional cooperation, strengthen public confidence in ECOWAS institutions and promote peace, prosperity and inclusive development for the region’s more than 400 million citizens.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the Compact’s six strategic pillars, with particular emphasis on strengthening regional security, promoting democratic governance, expanding trade and accelerating economic integration.
The President called on member states to intensify efforts against terrorism, political instability and unconstitutional changes of government, insisting that sustainable development cannot thrive without peace and security.
He further reiterated Nigeria’s support for the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force and the strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force to improve intelligence sharing, joint security operations and preventive diplomacy across the sub-region.
On economic integration, Tinubu advocated the removal of trade barriers, improved cross-border infrastructure and policies that would facilitate the free movement of people, goods and services while creating a more attractive investment climate throughout West Africa.
Highlighting the importance of technology, the President welcomed plans for a regional Digital Single Market, noting that initiatives in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and innovation would drive entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, education and employment, particularly among young people.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting gender equality, youth empowerment and increased participation of women in leadership and decision-making across the region.
Earlier, Sierra Leone’s President and ECOWAS Chairman, Julius Maada Bio, said the summit was convened to assess the bloc’s progress and chart a clearer path towards achieving the goals of ECOWAS Vision 2050.
He stressed that stronger regional integration had become a strategic necessity amid growing global uncertainties, climate-related challenges and economic disruptions.
Also speaking, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed pledged the UN’s continued support for ECOWAS initiatives, particularly efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen regional stability, while President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to improving governance, enhancing accountability and strengthening coordinated responses to security and humanitarian challenges.
A major highlight of the summit was the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project by ECOWAS member states, marking another milestone in regional energy cooperation.
