ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria has condemned recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa and confirmed the evacuation of affected citizens, as it called on the African Union (AU) to prioritise the protection of Africans across the continent.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, disclosed this while receiving a high-level delegation of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) in Abuja.
The development was contained in a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Describing the attacks as “unacceptable,” Enikanolaiye said the incidents run contrary to the ideals of African unity and integration, stressing that no African should feel unsafe within the continent.
“Africans must feel safe anywhere on the continent,” he said, urging the AU to place the issue prominently on its peace and security agenda.
He revealed that, under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government had arranged government-funded evacuation flights to safely return affected Nigerians from South Africa.
Beyond the immediate response, the minister emphasised the need for stronger continental frameworks to address migration challenges, promote inclusive governance, and expand economic opportunities to reduce tensions that often trigger such attacks.
The meeting also reviewed broader security concerns across Africa, including terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organised crime, with Nigeria calling for enhanced collaboration between the AU and regional bodies such as ECOWAS.
The AU delegation, led by Ambassador Nasir Aminu, Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council for June 2026, and Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, commended Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting peace and stability across the continent.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to address emerging security threats and advance regional integration, while sustaining regular consultations to improve collective responses to crises.
The engagement underscores Nigeria’s continued push for stronger continental solidarity and coordinated action in addressing both security challenges and humanitarian concerns affecting Africans.
