The Nigerian government has asked the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to take the issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa from the regional bloc to the continental body, the African Union (AU).
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the call on Sunday at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and the Summit of the Future in Lungi, Sierra Leone.
According to a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Vice President represented President Bola Tinubu at the high-level meeting.
Addressing regional leaders, Shettima condemned the recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
He called on the ECOWAS to push for the matter to be taken before the African Union in order to send a strong message that such Afrophobic attack would not be tolerated.
The Vice President said, “On Afrophobia, Nigeria condemns in strong terms the recent Afrophobic attack on its citizens and other fellow Africans in the Republic of South Africa.
“As already mentioned by His Excellency, the President of Ghana, ECOWAS should present this matter before the next meeting of the Authority of the African Union to send a clear message that this type of behaviour is unacceptable.”
Shettima reminded South Africa of the role played by African countries, particularly Nigeria, in its liberation struggle.
“South Africa should be reminded that the freedom the country currently enjoys is due to the liberation efforts of African countries such as Nigeria,” he said.
The Vice President disclosed that the Nigerian government had already evacuated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa in seven batches following the attacks and remained ready to continue diplomatic engagement on the issue.
“Nigerian government has evacuated one thousand, four hundred and ninety of its citizens in seven (7) batches and is prepared to engage on this matter,” he stated.
Beyond the xenophobia issue, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a roadmap for building a more resilient, prosperous and people-centred West Africa.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and democratic governance, stressing that sustainable development could only thrive in an atmosphere of stability.
“Nigeria supports the Compact’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government,” he said.
Shettima further urged member states, regional institutions, development partners, civil society, women and young people to support the implementation of the ECOWAS Compact.
“The Compact provides a roadmap to strengthen regional unity, restore public trust, and build a more resilient and people-centred ECOWAS capable of effectively addressing current and future challenges,” he said.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to working with member states to promote a peaceful, integrated, secure and globally respected West Africa.
Meanwhile, Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, was elected Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), succeeding Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, at the close of the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi.
The regional leaders also appointed Biram Diop as the new President of the ECOWAS Commission, replacing Dr Omar Alieu Touray.
The summit focused on advancing the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, strengthening cooperation among member states, promoting peace and security, deepening economic integration, and addressing emerging regional challenges.
