President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, stating that such intolerance is unacceptable. He reminded South Africa that its freedom was achieved through the sacrifices and liberation efforts of African nations, including Nigeria.
Evacuation of Nigerian Citizens
Speaking on Sunday in Freetown, Sierra Leone, during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, announced that Nigeria had already evacuated over 1,490 of its citizens from harm's way in seven batches. He added that the government is prepared to engage further on the matter.
Call for United African Response
Tinubu called on ECOWAS to present a united voice in condemning the attacks and to table the matter before the next session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the African Union. He emphasized that this would send a clear message that such intolerance is totally unacceptable under any guise.
The President's remarks come amid a wave of xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, which have forced many African nationals to leave the country. Nigeria has taken proactive steps to protect its citizens, with the evacuation process already underway.
