Nigeria Condemns Xenophobic Attacks Against Citizens in South Africa

Vice President Kashim Shettima declared that Nigeria will no longer tolerate the dehumanization or mistreatment of its citizens globally, specifically condemning recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Speaking in Luanda, Angola, after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, Shettima urged South African authorities to protect lives and uphold human dignity when enforcing immigration policies. He cited Nigeria's historical role in the liberation struggles of Southern Africa as context for the pain felt over the current humiliation of its people, characterizing the attacks as a threat to African solidarity.

While emphasizing a commitment to resolving tensions through dialogue and peaceful engagement to avoid overheating the polity, Shettima stated that Nigeria would make its position vehemently clear when the safety of its people is threatened. The Government of Nigeria has formally reported these attacks to the African Union and requested that the issue be added to the agenda of the AU's 40th Ordinary Session in January 2027.