LUNGI — West African leaders have strongly condemned the rising wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, demanding urgent action to protect African nationals, particularly citizens from the ECOWAS region.
The position was made clear at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Lungi, Sierra Leone, where the issue drew serious concern among regional leaders.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, the Authority described the attacks as “despicable” and unacceptable, stressing the need for immediate intervention.
“The Authority notes with deep concern the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa targeting people of African descent,” the statement said.
Leaders expressed particular worry over the treatment of West African citizens and called on South African authorities to take swift and decisive steps to end the violence.
“The Authority urges the South African authorities to immediately arrest the situation and find a permanent solution, while ensuring the safety and protection of West African and all other African nationals residing in the country,” the communiqué added.
ECOWAS also backed Ghana’s move to escalate the matter to the African Union, where it is expected to be discussed at the next Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
The leaders said the move is aimed at finding a lasting continental solution to recurring xenophobic incidents.
Analysts say the strong stance by ECOWAS signals growing regional pressure on South Africa to address the attacks and uphold its obligations to protect foreign nationals.
The development comes amid broader discussions at the summit on regional unity, peace and cooperation, with leaders reiterating their commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all Africans across the continent.
