President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on African leaders to speak with one voice in condemning the recent wave of Afro-phobic attacks, also known as xenophobia, in South Africa, warning that silence would embolden intolerance against fellow Africans.
Tinubu made the appeal on Sunday at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The Nigerian leader said African countries must collectively reject attacks targeting citizens of other African nations in South Africa, insisting that a united continental position would send a strong signal that such acts have no place in Africa.
“Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa,” Tinubu said.
“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.”
The President disclosed that Nigeria had already evacuated more than 1,490 of its citizens affected by the attacks in seven separate evacuation exercises and remained prepared to take further steps if necessary.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s backing for the newly developed ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a landmark framework designed to rebuild public trust, strengthen regional cooperation and ensure the sub-region remains resilient amid changing geopolitical realities.
According to Tinubu, the compact reflects the shared determination of member states to renew the founding ideals of ECOWAS while creating a more peaceful, prosperous and people-centred community.
“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,” he said.
The President reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the compact’s six strategic pillars, noting that the country would continue to champion regional unity, democratic governance and economic integration as one of ECOWAS’ founding members and largest economies.
Addressing the region’s security challenges, Tinubu stressed that sustainable development could not thrive amid insecurity and unconstitutional changes of government.
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to the principles enshrined in the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and other regional frameworks,” he said.
“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 reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the proposed ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force and the strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force, saying enhanced intelligence sharing, joint military operations and preventive diplomacy were essential to combating terrorism and safeguarding regional stability.
The President also pledged Nigeria’s continued support for removing trade barriers, improving cross-border infrastructure and facilitating the free movement of people, goods and services to deepen regional economic integration.
Highlighting the importance of technology, Tinubu welcomed the compact’s emphasis on science, innovation and digital transformation, saying initiatives such as a Digital Single Market, regional artificial intelligence frameworks, cybersecurity cooperation and expanded digital infrastructure would unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and youth employment across West Africa.
He further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing gender equality, promoting women in leadership, investing in education and skills development, and supporting youth entrepreneurship to ensure young people play a central role in shaping the region’s future.
Earlier, outgoing ECOWAS Authority Chairman and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, said the summit provided an opportunity for regional leaders to assess ECOWAS’ progress and chart a new path under the Vision 2050 framework.
Bio said West Africa must embrace strategic reforms to remain competitive in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
“Dependency narrows the very freedom that challenging partnership is meant to strengthen, and in this changing international environment, regional integration is a strategic necessity,” he said.
“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 also warned that climate change, global conflicts and disruptions to food, fuel and fertilizer supplies were placing increasing pressure on economies across the sub-region.
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS and the wider Sahel region in tackling terrorism and other transnational security threats.
“The United Nations Security Council must clearly hear the voice of Africa and stand behind the solutions that Africa offers,” she said.
“We have seen what it looks like in this region. There is new momentum and dialogue across political divides and across geography.”
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, said the regional bloc remained focused on strengthening governance, accountability and policy coordination among member states while enhancing cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime 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,” Touray stated.
A major highlight of the summit was the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) project, a flagship regional infrastructure initiative expected to deepen energy cooperation and drive economic integration across West Africa.
