Nigeria Follows Ghana In Reporting South Africa To AU Over Xenophobia

Nigeria has formally raised concerns about recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa with the African Union, following a similar move by Ghana earlier this year.

President Bola Tinubu conveyed Nigeria’s position through Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented him at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Luanda, Angola, on August 30, 2026.

In the statement, Nigeria expressed concern over attacks targeting Africans and other nationals in South Africa. While acknowledging South Africa’s right to enforce its immigration laws and its contributions to the continent, Tinubu stressed that the violence undermines African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence.

He called on AU leaders to place the matter on the agenda of the 40th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, scheduled for January 2027, for consideration and appropriate action.

The move comes months after Ghana petitioned the African Union in May 2026, urging the continental body to address xenophobic attacks in South Africa, propose a fact-finding mission and strengthen mechanisms to protect African nationals.

Both West African countries have highlighted the issue as a threat to Pan-African ideals and the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area.