RismadarVoice Reporters
September 22, 2026
The presidents of South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria will not personally attend the high-level proceedings of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, with the three countries instead represented by senior government delegations.
Cyril Ramaphosa, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Bola Tinubu will be absent as world leaders gather for the General Debate beginning on September 22.
The three countries rank among Africa’s largest economies by nominal gross domestic product, although rankings and estimates vary depending on the data source and exchange rates used.
South Africa’s Presidency announced on September 17 that Ramaphosa had been advised by his medical team to rest and recover after becoming unwell, with ministers representing him at scheduled public engagements where possible.
Egypt’s delegation is being led by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, who travelled to New York under the direction of el-Sisi. Madbouly is expected to deliver statements and participate in meetings and bilateral engagements during the session.
Nigeria, meanwhile, is being represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was mandated by Tinubu to lead the country’s delegation.
Shettima arrived in New York with a delegation including Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior officials.
He is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level and bilateral meetings covering peace and security, economic development, climate action, international cooperation and reform of global institutions.
Tinubu’s absence has drawn criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while the Federal Government has defended the decision, saying Shettima is representing Nigeria with the President’s full mandate.
The government also said Tinubu is on annual leave and maintained that his absence would not diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic representation at the gathering.
The 81st UN General Assembly General Debate runs from September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
The annual gathering brings together heads of state and government, ministers and senior officials for national statements, high-level meetings and bilateral engagements on international issues.
For South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria, their delegations will be responsible for advancing their respective national positions during the formal proceedings and meetings held on the sidelines of the assembly.
