Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Luanda, Angola.
Shettima returned to Nigeria on Monday after concluding his engagements at the high-level summit, where Nigeria called for stronger African-led mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution and greater continental ownership of solutions to the continent’s security challenges.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed Shettima’s return in a statement on Monday.
At the summit, Nigeria also called for urgent continental action against recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Nigerians, other Africans and foreign nationals in South Africa.
Speaking on Nigeria’s behalf on Sunday, Shettima expressed concern over the attacks, warning that they undermine African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence.
While acknowledging South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws and its contributions to the continent, Nigeria maintained that the recurring attacks required urgent collective action by African leaders.
Nigeria consequently urged the AU to reaffirm its commitment to the safety, protection and dignity of African nationals and strengthen continental efforts to combat xenophobia and Afrophobia.
Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s position shortly before departing Luanda on Monday, saying the country would no longer tolerate the dehumanisation or mistreatment of its citizens in South Africa.