African leaders urged to review ties with Belgium over Tshisekedi incident

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has urged African leaders to consider reviewing diplomatic relations with Belgium if an investigation establishes violations of international law in the reported search of a Brussels residence allegedly used by Democratic Republic of the Congo President, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.

The AYCF position was contained in a statement issued by its Convener, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, following the Nigerian House of Representatives’ decision on Wednesday to consider a petition seeking an investigation into the reported search of the residence in Uccle, Brussels, Belgium.

While calling on the African Union (AU), individual African governments, and relevant regional institutions to seek clarification from Belgian authorities over the incident, Mallam Yusuf warned that issues involving the sovereignty and dignity of African leaders must be treated with seriousness.

The petition, submitted by the African Centre for Justice and Human Rights and addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, raised concerns about the implications of the incident for African sovereignty, the legal protections accorded to heads of state, and diplomatic relations between African and European countries.

Yusuf said African leaders must ensure that their relationships with European counterparts are anchored on mutual respect, sovereign equality, and compliance with international law.

He maintained that any reported action raising legitimate questions about the dignity, security, or legal protections of a sitting African president deserves a transparent investigation to establish the facts before conclusions are drawn.

“Any reported action that raises legitimate questions about the dignity, security or legal protections of a sitting African president should be investigated transparently,” he said, urging Belgian authorities to explain the circumstances surrounding the search and clarify whether appropriate legal and diplomatic procedures were followed.

The AYCF convener also expressed concern over what he described as the broader implications of disputes involving African leaders and the continent’s strategic mineral resources. He insisted that African countries must retain the freedom to determine how their natural resources are managed in accordance with national laws and the interests of their citizens.

He urged African governments to resist external pressure capable of undermining their sovereignty, stressing, however, that allegations of interference must be supported by credible evidence and addressed through lawful diplomatic channels.

Yusuf specifically called on the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other relevant regional institutions to engage the Belgian government and seek an official explanation of the reported incident.

He added that if an investigation establishes serious violations of international law or diplomatic obligations, African leaders should consider proportionate diplomatic measures, including a review of bilateral relations, in line with established legal frameworks.

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The forum said Africa’s response should demonstrate the continent’s determination to safeguard the sovereign rights of its countries and protect the dignity of its leaders and citizens, while ensuring that relationships with international partners are based on equality and mutual respect.

Yusuf commended the House of Representatives for considering the petition, describing legislative scrutiny and diplomatic engagement as important mechanisms for addressing issues with implications for Nigeria and the wider African continent. He urged the Federal Government to collaborate with other African countries to establish the facts and support a coordinated response through appropriate continental and international institutions.

He stressed that the matter should be handled with restraint, transparency, and respect for international law, adding that Africa’s sovereignty and the rights of its leaders must not be taken lightly.