Nigeria condemns ‘afrophobic’ attacks in South Africa at ECOWAS Summit

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has criticised attacks on African nationals in South Africa during the 69th ECOWAS Summit, urging moderation while reminding the country of historical support from fellow African nations.

In remarks delivered at the summit, Shettima stated, “I wish to join others in strongly condemning the afrophobic attacks on citizens and other fellow Africans in the Republic of South Africa.”

He continued by highlighting past solidarity, “While we tread the path of moderation, South Africa needs to be reminded that the freedom the country currently enjoys is due to the liberation efforts of African countries such as Nigeria and Ghana.

“Deductions were made from our scholarship allowances to fund liberation movements in Southern Africa.”

Tensions between South Africa and other African countries have flared periodically over the past decade, particularly around incidents of xenophobic violence targeting migrants and traders from Nigeria, Ghana, and other nations.

These attacks often stem from local frustrations over unemployment, crime, and competition for resources in South African townships.

Nigeria and several other African states provided significant diplomatic, financial, and material support to the anti-apartheid struggle in the 1970s–1990s, including scholarships, funding for liberation movements like the ANC, and international advocacy.