By Emmanuel Thomas l Monday, July 20, 2026
FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on West African leaders and the broader continent to unite in condemnation of ongoing xenophobic and Afro-phobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
Speaking on Sunday at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, President Tinubu emphasized that an uncompromising, collective voice is required to halt the growing intolerance in the Southern African nation.
The Nigerian leader was represented at the high-level regional summit by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Recall South Africa’s Anti-Apartheid Debt — Tinubu
Delivering Nigeria’s statement, Vice President Shettima urged ECOWAS to take a firm, collective stance and table the matter before the upcoming African Union (AU) Heads of State meeting.
”Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa,” Tinubu stated, aligning with earlier remarks by the President of Ghana. “ECOWAS should present a united voice in this condemnation and table the matter before the next session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.”
He reminded South Africa of the continent’s history, noting that the country’s current freedom was built on the back of African solidarity.
”South Africa should be reminded that the freedom it currently enjoys is the result of the sacrifices and liberation efforts of African countries, including Nigeria,” the President declared, stressing that intolerance cannot be accepted under any guise.
Revealing the human toll of the unrest, the Nigerian government disclosed that it has already evacuated over 1,490 Nigerian citizens from harm’s way in seven separate batches, adding that Nigeria remains prepared to engage further to guarantee the safety of its diaspora.
Nigeria Backs ECOWAS Compact for Regional Integration
Beyond the diplomatic row over xenophobia, President Tinubu declared Nigeria’s firm commitment to the newly developed ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration.
He described the document as a crucial milestone designed to restore trust between citizens and public institutions while navigating complex geopolitical realities. According to the President, the Compact will serve as a engine for:
Strengthening regional security and counter-terrorism initiatives
Promoting a digital single market and trade acceleration
Upholding constitutional governance and combating unconstitutional changes of government
Fostering a peaceful, people-centered community for over 400 million West Africans
Reaffirming Democratic Governance and Security
Highlighting Nigeria’s pivotal role in West Africa, President Tinubu assured member states that as the region’s largest economy and a founding pillar of ECOWAS, Nigeria will not shirk its historic responsibilities.
”On peace, security, and democratic governance, Nigeria reaffirms that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an environment of insecurity and instability,” Tinubu noted, calling for strict adherence to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
He pledged that Nigeria would work hand-in-hand with member states to ensure the full realization of the Compact’s six strategic pillars, ensuring a resilient, peaceful, and economically integrated West Africa.
