AU rejects threats against Nigeria
The African Union Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, religious freedom, and the rule of law.
The AUC was responding to recent statements by the United States suggesting Nigerian government’s complicity in attacks against Christians in the country, and threatening military action.
In a statement on Friday via its X account, the AUC emphasised Nigeria’s right to manage its internal affairs, stressing the importance of diplomacy over military threats.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a longstanding and valued Member State of the African Union, playing a key role in regional stability, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping initiatives, and continental integration,” the statement said.
The commission highlighted that any external engagement must uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The AUC fully respects Nigeria’s sovereign right to manage its internal affairs, including security, religious freedom, and human rights, in line with its Constitution and international obligations,” it added.
Addressing concerns about religious persecution, the AUC underscored Nigeria’s commitment to protecting freedom of belief.
“The commission supports Nigeria’s repeated affirmation that its Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief and that the Government rejects all forms of religious persecution,” the release said.
The statement also acknowledged the security challenges facing Nigeria, including violent extremist groups, banditry, communal clashes, and resource-based conflicts.
“Nigeria faces complex security challenges affecting citizens of all faiths,” the AUC noted, calling for regional and international cooperation to strengthen capacities to protect citizens and uphold human rights.
The African Union cautioned against framing the country’s security issues solely as a religious conflict.
“The AUC rejects any narrative that weaponizes religion or oversimplifies security challenges. Conflating all violence with a single religious-target narrative may hinder effective solutions and destabilize communities,” the release said.
Urging diplomacy over military threats, the AUC called on external partners to engage Nigeria constructively.
The African Union reaffirmed its readiness to provide support through peace and security mechanisms, capacity-building programs, and strategic partnerships.
“AUC urges external partners, including the United States, to engage Nigeria through diplomatic dialogue, intelligence-sharing, and capacity-building partnerships, while respecting Nigerian sovereignty rather than resorting to unilateral threats of military intervention, which could undermine continental peace, regional stability, and AU norms for peaceful conflict management.”
“The African Union Commission remains committed to supporting Member States in promoting peace, security, human rights, and development, while upholding sovereignty and non-interference,” the Commission stated.
On November 1, Trump said he had directed the Pentagon to draw up “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in Nigeria, claiming the move would be aimed at protecting Christian communities there.
In a post on his Truth Social platform last Friday, Trump described Christianity in Nigeria as facing an “existential threat” from radical Islamist groups.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby designating Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern,’” he wrote.
Trump further stated that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” pledging that his administration would be ready, willing, and able to protect the Christian population worldwide.
He also urged members of Congress to investigate the situation, instructing Congressman Riley Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to report back to him.
In response, the Federal Government rejected the claims, with President Bola Tinubu reaffirming that Nigeria upholds religious freedom and protects the rights of all faiths.
