Nigeria Urges ECOWAS To Escalate South Africa Xenophobia To African Union
Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a strategized continental response to the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, urging the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to place the issue before the African Union (AU).
Reports said that the President made the appeal at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Lungi, Sierra Leone, on Monday, 20th July, where he was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Addressing regional leaders, Tinubu condemned what he described as Afrophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans living in South Africa.
The President also reminded South Africa of the support it received from other African countries during its struggle against apartheid.
He said, “South Africa should be reminded that the freedom the country currently enjoys is due to the liberation efforts of African countries such as Nigeria,” .
Tinubu disclosed that the Nigerian Government had evacuated 1,490 citizens from South Africa in seven batches and remained prepared to engage further on the issue.
The President’s position came days after the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, hinted that Nigeria could consider retaliatory measures over the attacks.
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