President Bola Tinubu has called on African countries to present a united front against the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
He said ECOWAS should jointly condemn the attacks and bring the matter before the African Union to send a clear message that such intolerance has no place on the continent.
Speaking on Sunday at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Nigeria had “already evacuated over 1490 of its citizens from harm’s way in seven batches and is prepared to engage further on this matter.”
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the newly adopted ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a framework that reinforces the region’s “shared commitment to rebuilding trust between citizens and public institutions, ensuring that regional integration remains resilient and relevant in the face of evolving geopolitical realities.”
Condemning the attacks, Tinubu said, “Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa. As already stated by His Excellency, the President of Ghana, ECOWAS should present a united voice in this condemnation and table the matter before the next session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
“This would send a clear message that this type of intolerance is totally unacceptable under any guise. South Africa should be reminded that the freedom it currently enjoys is the result of the sacrifices and liberation efforts of African countries, including Nigeria.”
He said the regional compact reflects the resolve of ECOWAS member states to renew the bloc’s founding ideals and deepen regional integration.
According to him, the Compact will “strengthen regional solidarity, and build a more resilient, prosperous, peaceful, and people-centred Community capable of meeting the aspirations of its over 400 million citizens.”
Tinubu also urged West African leaders to intensify collective action against insecurity and unconstitutional changes of government.
He said, “As the largest economy and one of the key founding members of our Regional Economic Community, Nigeria remains steadfast in its historic responsibility to continue the promotion of regional unity, peace, economic integration, and democratic governance.
“Nigeria will continue to work closely with Member States and all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Compact and the realisation of its six strategic pillars.”
On democratic governance, the president urged ECOWAS to continue promoting constitutional rule, the rule of law and compliance with the regional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“On peace, security, and democratic governance, Nigeria reaffirms that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an environment of insecurity and instability. Nigeria remains firmly committed to the principles enshrined in the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and other regional frameworks.
“Nigeria supports the Compact’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government,” he said.
Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to establishing the ECOWAS Counter Terrorism Force and strengthening the ECOWAS Standby Force, saying the move would “enhance counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, joint security operations, and preventive diplomacy to safeguard peace and stability across our region.”
He also pledged support for initiatives that eliminate “trade barriers, improve cross-border infrastructure, facilitate the free movement of persons, goods, and services, and create an enabling environment for businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors to thrive across West Africa.”
On technology, Tinubu welcomed the Compact’s focus on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.
He said the proposed Digital Single Market, regional artificial intelligence framework, cybersecurity cooperation, digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystems would unlock new “opportunities for economic diversification, entrepreneurship, education, financial inclusion, and job creation, particularly for young people.”
He added that the digital single market would accelerate inclusive growth and position West Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
The president also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to “advancing gender equality, expanding opportunities for women in leadership and decision-making, investing in education and skills development, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and ensuring that young people are active participants in shaping the future of West Africa.”
Earlier, Sierra Leone’s President and ECOWAS Chairman, Julius Maada Bio, said the meeting was convened to assess the bloc’s progress and chart its future direction.
He said ECOWAS Vision 2050 presents a path towards a peaceful, integrated and prosperous West Africa built on democratic governance.
Bio, however, said the pace of global change demands an honest assessment of the bloc’s progress and a willingness to adapt to new realities.
He urged West African leaders to approach the future with confidence and strategic clarity.
“We should work on partnerships that expand our opportunities, while remaining firmly anchored in our own interests and barriers.
“Dependency narrows the very freedom that challenging partnership is meant to strengthen, and in this changing international environment, regional integration is a strategic necessity.
“It ensures a responsibility that demands foresight, preparation, and collective action. It is shaped by the crisis we build, the capabilities that we build, and the reason we confront before they become crises,” he said.
Bio also warned that climate shocks are placing growing pressure on national budgets, while global events continue to disrupt supplies of food, fuel and fertiliser across the region.
Also speaking, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed reaffirmed the UN’s support for ECOWAS and countries in West Africa and the Sahel in tackling terrorism.
She said the global body had a responsibility to support the region’s efforts against terrorism and other crimes against humanity.
“The United Nations Security Council must clearly hear the voice of Africa and stand behind the solutions that Africa offers. We have seen what it looks like in this region. There is new momentum and dialogue across political divides and across geography,” she said.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, said the regional body remained committed to strengthening governance and accountability across its institutions while deepening policy coordination among member states.
He said the commission had reintroduced democratic governance and electoral support mechanisms while strengthening regional responses to security and humanitarian challenges.
“We enhance our cooperation in combating terrorism, climate extremism, organised crime, and other transnational threats that continue to undermine stability and development,” he said.
The meeting also featured the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) project.
(The Whistler)