President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has called on the African Union (AU) to take urgent action against xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa, during the 21st Extraordinary AU Summit in Abuja. The summit, which brings together leaders from across the continent, is expected to address the growing tensions and violence targeting foreign nationals, particularly from West Africa.

Buhari emphasized that such incidents threaten the unity and peaceful coexistence of African nations. He highlighted the need for collective measures to ensure the safety of migrants and visitors, stressing that these attacks undermine the continent’s solidarity. South Africa has recently seen a surge in xenophobic violence, with reports of attacks on Nigerian and other foreign communities.

The AU summit is seen as a critical opportunity to coordinate responses and establish policies that protect African citizens abroad. While no immediate action has been announced, the discussions are expected to shape future strategies to address the root causes of xenophobia and promote regional stability.