Tinubu urges ECOWAS to take united stand against Afro-phobia, strengthen regional security

President Bola Tinubu has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to present a united front against Afro-phobic attacks in South Africa and raise the issue before the African Union (AU) to send a strong message that such acts of intolerance are unacceptable.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone, condemned the recent attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

He said ECOWAS should speak with one voice in condemning the attacks and table the matter at the next AU summit, noting that South Africa’s freedom was achieved through the sacrifices and support of African nations, including Nigeria.

The President disclosed that Nigeria had evacuated more than 1,490 citizens from South Africa in seven batches and would continue diplomatic engagements on the matter.

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, regional integration and democratic governance, stressing that good governance remains the most effective safeguard against unconstitutional changes of government and civil unrest.

He urged leaders to uphold constitutional term limits, respect the rule of law and ensure that governance delivers tangible benefits to citizens.

The President also reiterated Nigeria’s support for the establishment of the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force and the strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force to improve intelligence sharing, joint security operations and preventive diplomacy across the region.

He commended Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio for his leadership of the regional bloc over the past year, describing his stewardship as instrumental in sustaining dialogue, solidarity and regional cooperation amid political, economic and security challenges.

Earlier, President Bio said the summit provided an opportunity to assess ECOWAS’ progress and chart a new course towards achieving the bloc’s Vision 2050 of a peaceful, integrated and prosperous West Africa.

He called for stronger regional integration, strategic partnerships and greater self-reliance, warning that dependence weakens the region’s ability to determine its future.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said the commission had strengthened democratic governance, electoral support, policy coordination and regional responses to terrorism, organised crime, climate-related threats and humanitarian challenges.

Also speaking, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed reaffirmed the UN’s support for ECOWAS initiatives, urging the UN Security Council to back African-led solutions to regional security challenges.

She noted growing momentum for dialogue and cooperation across the Sahel and coastal West Africa, saying countries in the region were rebuilding trust and reopening channels of communication.

The summit also witnessed the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project by ECOWAS leaders.