Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on West African leaders to adopt a united stance against the rising wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, reminding Pretoria of Nigeria’s historic contributions to the country’s liberation from apartheid.
Shettima made the remarks during the 69th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government in Sierra Leone, where he urged member states to collectively condemn attacks targeting African migrants in South Africa. (Daily Trust)
The Vice President said South Africa should not forget the sacrifices made by several African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, in supporting the struggle against apartheid.
According to him, Nigerian students also contributed to the liberation movement through deductions from their scholarship allowances to support anti-apartheid efforts.
“While we tread the path of moderation, South Africa should be reminded that the freedom the country currently enjoys is due to the liberation efforts of African countries such as Nigeria and Ghana,” Shettima said.
He added that deductions were made from the scholarship allowances of Nigerian students to fund liberation movements in Southern Africa, stressing that South Africa’s challenges should not be blamed on fellow Africans who contribute positively to its economy. (Daily Trust)
Shettima urged ECOWAS leaders to speak with one voice against xenophobia and called for the issue to be placed on the agenda of the next African Union (AU) Summit.
According to him, a united regional response would send a strong message that violence and discrimination against African migrants have no place on the continent.
The Vice President noted that many African migrants living in South Africa are professionals, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers who contribute to the country’s economic development rather than constituting a burden.
His comments come amid renewed diplomatic tensions following recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa that targeted foreign nationals, including Nigerians. The attacks prompted the Nigerian government to evacuate 1,490 citizens from South Africa through a series of voluntary evacuation flights. (Reuters)
Nigeria has consistently condemned xenophobic violence in South Africa, maintaining that African countries should strengthen solidarity and cooperation rather than allow hostility against fellow Africans.
Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad while calling for stronger continental collaboration to address intolerance, discrimination, and violence against African migrants.
