JUST IN: Shettima returns to Abuja after AU summit in Angola

…Nigeria seeks AU action against xenophobic, Afrophobic attacks in South Africa

…Backs stronger African-led mechanisms for conflict prevention, resolution

Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Luanda, Angola.

Shettima returned to the country on Monday after concluding his engagements at the high-level summit, where Nigeria pushed for stronger African-led mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution, and greater continental ownership of solutions to security challenges.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, announced Shettima’s return in a statement on Monday.

Nigeria also used the summit to call for urgent continental action against recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on Nigerians, other Africans and foreign nationals in South Africa.

Speaking on Nigeria’s behalf at the summit on Sunday, Shettima expressed concern over the attacks, warning that they undermine African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence.

While recognising South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws and acknowledging its contributions to the continent, Nigeria maintained that the recurring attacks required urgent collective action by African leaders.

Nigeria consequently urged the AU to reaffirm its commitment to the safety, protection and dignity of African nationals and to strengthen continental efforts against xenophobia and Afrophobia.

Shettima reinforced this position shortly before departing Luanda on Monday, declaring that Nigeria would no longer tolerate the dehumanisation or mistreatment of its citizens in South Africa.

“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”, he said.

The Vice President, however, stressed Nigeria’s preference for dialogue and peaceful diplomatic engagement with South Africa, saying Abuja was not interested in unnecessarily escalating tensions between both countries.

“The government and people of Nigeria will no longer countenance a situation whereby our people are dehumanised and put into very, very unacceptable situations.

“But we believe in having very robust conversations with our South African brothers. We don’t want to overheat the polity, but once in a while, you have to make it very clear, vehemently clear, that certain situations are unacceptable, and we’ll work things out”, he said.

Beyond concerns over South Africa, Nigeria backed the Luanda Action Plan at the extraordinary summit as part of efforts to strengthen conflict prevention and peacebuilding across Africa.

The country maintained that preventing conflicts was more cost-effective and sustainable than managing crises after they had erupted, while calling for stronger collective responsibility among AU member states.

Nigeria also advocated sustainable financing for Africa’s peace and security architecture and greater African ownership of initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts across the continent.

The Federal Government warned against fragmented peace initiatives and excessive reliance on external actors in tackling the continent’s security challenges, stressing the need to strengthen African institutions and home-grown mechanisms.

Shettima’s participation at the Luanda summit formed part of Nigeria’s continuing role in continental peacebuilding and conflict resolution, with the Tinubu administration maintaining that African countries must take greater responsibility for preventing conflicts and sustaining peace.