Xenophobic attacks and need for AU intervention

Nigeria has formally reported the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa to the African Union (AU). President Bola Tinubu, who lodged the complaints through the Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Luanda, Angola, warned that the attacks had the potential to undermine the ideals of African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence.

The President called on the AU to place the issue on the agenda of its 40th Ordinary Session of the Assembly scheduled for January 2027, for consideration and appropriate action by African leaders. “Nigeria wishes to express its concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa,” Tinubu said. While acknowledging South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws and its contributions to the continent, Tinubu urged the AU and member states to intensify efforts to combat xenophobia and Afrophobia, stressing that dialogue, preventive diplomacy and collective action remained critical to preserving African unity.

This is the first time Nigerian leaders have boldly condemned the unprovoked attacks against compatriots in South Africa. By formally tabling the matter before the AU, Nigeria has taken the right step. This is the most appropriate and diplomatic way to manage the situation. South Africa should get the message and act accordingly. President Cyril Ramaphosa should do something about the ugly trend. Immigration matters should be left for relevant officials and not to the mob. The xenophobic attacks against other nationals in South Africa have been on the rise and disturbing.

Since 2012, Nigerians living in South Africa had been frequently attacked and molested by misguided elements in the country. The latest orgy of violence in the country which began on April 20, 2026, saw mobs targeting shops, vandalising property and unleashing mayhem on African immigrants. Many Nigerians lost goods worth millions of naira in the xenophobic and Afrophobic violence.

There must be a stop to the barbaric actions. No Nigerian or any immigrant in South Africa should be subjected to that mob action. Nigeria and South Africa have come a long way in bilateral relations and collaborations. As Africa’s two largest economies, both countries have partnered on peace, security and other issues of interest for the continent. They also share in trade and other economic relations.

Historically, Nigeria has demonstrated enormous goodwill to South Africa, especially at the height of the decolonization struggle in the Southern Africa. Particularly, in the fight against the obnoxious apartheid system in South Africa, Nigeria enormously supported South African nationals in the struggle to enthrone black majority rule in that country. Such a mutually benefitting relationship cannot be sacrificed on the altars of xenophobic attacks by some uninformed elements in South Africa.

There is need to end the xenophobic sentiments in South Africa. President Ramaphosa should rein in those behind the violent attacks on fellow Africans. He should bring to justice those promoting the violence against nationals of other African countries in South Africa. It is the duty of South African government to protect its citizens and other people living in South Africa.

All illegal immigrants’ matters should be handled by the South African immigration officials as it is done in other countries. It is sad that Ramaphosa has allowed the mob to perform such duties in Africa. There is need for South African authorities to strengthen efforts to protect the rights and lives of all residents, regardless of nationality or immigration status. Citizens and foreign nationals in the country deserve equal protection under the law.

Let the AU take decisive actions against the unruly behaviour of South Africans. How the continental body tackles the matter will go a long way in making South Africans realise that they acted in bad faith against foreigners in their country. It will also act as deterrence to other African states contemplating such primitive behaviour.

The violent attacks will vitiate the African spirit of friendliness and brotherhood. Apart from threatening African unity, the needless attacks will hamper the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). AU should call South African authorities to
order.