President Tinubu asks African leaders to address recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks and place the issue on the AU’s January 2027 agenda.
President Bola Tinubu has urged the African Union (AU) to take urgent action against recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Africans and other nationals in South Africa.
President Tinubu made the call in a message delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Luanda, Angola, according to a statement by Shettima’s spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha.
The President said the attacks undermine African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence, while acknowledging South Africa’s right to enforce its immigration laws.
He called on the AU to place the issue on the agenda of its 40th Ordinary Session scheduled for January 2027 for consideration and appropriate action.
President Tinubu also advocated stronger continental measures against xenophobia and Afrophobia, stressing the need for dialogue, preventive diplomacy and collective action to preserve African unity.
On the continent’s wider security challenges, the President backed the Luanda Action Plan on conflict prevention, arguing that preventing conflicts is more sustainable and cost-effective than managing them after they escalate.
He also warned that increasing reliance on foreign military forces, mercenaries and private defence contractors could weaken African ownership of peace and security initiatives.
President Tinubu called on arms-producing countries to work with African states to prevent weapons and ammunition from being diverted to terrorists and other armed groups.
He further advocated sustainable funding for AU peace operations and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719, urging African leaders to strengthen cooperation and pursue home-grown solutions to the continent’s security challenges.