President Bola Tinubu has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to adopt a united position against the recent Afro-phobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone, Tinubu said the regional bloc should formally condemn the attacks and present the matter before the next African Union summit.
He stressed that such a move would send a strong message that intolerance and violence against fellow Africans have no place on the continent.
Tinubu also reminded South Africa of the support and sacrifices made by several African nations, including Nigeria, during its liberation struggle.
The President disclosed that Nigeria had evacuated more than 1,490 citizens from South Africa in seven batches following the attacks and pledged continued engagement on the issue.
He reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to promoting peace, democracy, constitutional governance, human rights, and regional security through ECOWAS.
Tinubu also reiterated Nigeria's support for the establishment of the ECOWAS Counter Terrorism Force and the strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force to improve intelligence sharing, joint security operations, and preventive diplomacy across West Africa.
During the summit, Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio urged member states to strengthen regional integration and reduce dependence on external partners, while ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray called for deeper cooperation in tackling terrorism, organised crime, and other cross-border threats. United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed also pledged the UN's continued support for ECOWAS initiatives and Africa-led solutions to regional challenges.
A major highlight of the summit was the signing of the intergovernmental agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project by ECOWAS leaders.
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