Shettima Warns South Africa: Nigeria Will No Longer Tolerate Xenophobic Attacks on Citizens
Abuja / Luanda – August 31, 2026 — Vice President Kashim Shettima has delivered a clear message to South Africa: Nigeria will no longer tolerate the dehumanisation or mistreatment of its citizens amid recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
Speaking to journalists in Luanda, Angola, shortly before departing for Nigeria, Shettima restated the country’s strong opposition to violence targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.
He represented President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
“Those whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent spirits should learn to be humble. We were part of the struggle for the liberation of our brothers and sisters in Southern Africa, and we feel personally pained that our people have been picked up for humiliation,” Shettima said.
He added that the Nigerian government and people “will no longer countenance a situation whereby our people are dehumanized and put into very, very unacceptable situations.”
While insisting on robust conversations with South African counterparts and a preference for peaceful engagement, the Vice President made clear that certain conditions remain unacceptable.
Historical Ties and Current Pain
Shettima’s remarks drew on Nigeria’s longstanding role in supporting the anti-apartheid struggle in Southern Africa.
He urged South African authorities to protect lives and uphold human dignity even as they enforce immigration policies.
The comments come against the backdrop of renewed waves of anti-migrant violence in South Africa earlier this year.
Nigerian officials have reported the evacuation of about 1,490 citizens in recent months and cited dozens of deaths linked to xenophobic attacks since 2022.
Escalation to the African Union
At the same Luanda summit, Shettima delivered President Tinubu’s formal message raising the issue at the continental level.
Nigeria expressed deep concern that the recurring attacks undermine African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence.
While acknowledging South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws and its contributions to the continent, Tinubu called on the AU to place the matter on the agenda of the 40th Ordinary Session of the Assembly scheduled for January 2027.
He urged stronger continental efforts against xenophobia and Afrophobia through dialogue, preventive diplomacy and collective action.
Shettima emphasised that Nigeria remains committed to resolving concerns through engagement rather than confrontation. The Vice President has since returned to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in Angola.
The strong stance reflects growing frustration in Abuja over repeated cycles of violence that have strained relations between two of Africa’s largest economies and tested the ideals of continental solidarity.
As African leaders prepare for the next ordinary AU summit, the call for a formal continental response is expected to keep the issue firmly on the regional agenda.
politics Adebayo Challenges Tinubu: Where Is Subsidy Money? Come Out and Account for It
politics NDC Wins Logo Battle as Abuja Court Orders INEC to Use Modified Design
news Atiku Exposes Tinubu’s FAAC Scam: Bigger Naira, Poorer Nigerians
news Police Arrest Hafsat Abubakar Over Fake Fintech Shutdown Document Circulated Online
politics Sowore Declares Peter Obi Yelwata Blockade Government-Sponsored Political Attack
How do you feel about this news?
Community Additions
Have a news tip, correction, or extra context about this story? Post it below instantly. All submissions appear live on this screen immediately.