VP calls for dialogue with South Africa, urges AU to take stronger action against xenophobia and Afrophobia
Vice President Kashim Shettima has warned that Nigeria will no longer tolerate the dehumanisation or mistreatment of Nigerians in South Africa, while stressing the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving concerns between both countries through dialogue.
Shettima made the remarks in Luanda, Angola, shortly before departing for Nigeria after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).
Speaking to journalists, the Vice President condemned recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
Shettima said Nigeria had a historic role in supporting the liberation struggles of Southern African countries and therefore felt particularly concerned by reports of Nigerians being subjected to humiliation and mistreatment.
He maintained that although Nigeria preferred robust diplomatic engagement with South Africa, the government would not remain silent when the safety and dignity of its citizens were threatened.
The Vice President said the Nigerian government would continue to make its position clear whenever it considered the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa unacceptable, while avoiding actions that could unnecessarily escalate tensions between both countries.
Shettima also urged the South African authorities to protect lives and uphold human dignity while enforcing the country’s immigration laws.
His comments followed President Tinubu’s formal expression of concern over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians, other Africans and foreign nationals in South Africa at the AU summit.
Tinubu warned that such incidents undermine African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence.
The President consequently called for urgent collective action by African leaders and urged the AU to place the issue on the agenda of the 40th Ordinary Session of the Assembly scheduled for January 2027.
Tinubu’s position was conveyed by Shettima in his address at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Luanda.
Representing the President at the high-level gathering, Shettima called for stronger continental mechanisms to protect the safety, dignity and rights of African nationals across the continent.
Nigeria’s position further emphasised the need for African countries to address xenophobia and Afrophobia through cooperation, dialogue and stronger continental action.