Africa: Xenophobia - Tinubu Reports South Africa to AU, Demands Action

What the report says

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken Nigeria’s complaint over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa to the African Union, according to Daily Trust as republished by AllAfrica. The message was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the AU’s 21st Extraordinary Session in Luanda, Angola, where Nigeria urged continental leaders to treat the issue as urgent and to protect the dignity and safety of Africans and other nationals.

The report says Tinubu asked the AU to add the matter to the agenda of the 40th Ordinary Session of the Assembly, due in January 2027. Nigeria argued that repeated attacks in South Africa weaken African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence, while also recognizing South Africa’s right to enforce its immigration laws. The Nigerian position called for dialogue, diplomacy and collective action rather than isolated responses.

Beyond the xenophobia issue, Tinubu used the AU platform to back the Luanda Action Plan as a practical approach to conflict prevention across the continent. He also warned that outside military involvement and private armed contractors can weaken African-led security efforts, and urged tighter controls to stop weapons from being diverted to armed groups. The remarks fit into a broader AU debate over how to strengthen peace operations, financing and African ownership of security solutions.