The African Union (AU) has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, religious freedom, and the rule of law in response to recent statements by the US suggesting Nigerian complicity in attacks against Christians and threatening possible military action.
The commission stressed the significance of diplomacy and constructive engagement above military threats.
In a press release sent on Friday via its official X account, the AUC underscored the need to respect Nigeria’s freedom to conduct its internal affairs without external interference.
“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 read.
The AU stressed 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.
In response to allegations of religious persecution, the AUC reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to defending religious freedom.
“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 stated.
The African Union also noted Nigeria’s complex security issues, which include violent extremism, banditry, community violence, 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.
Warning against portraying Nigeria’s security problems as religiously motivated, the AU rejected what it described as “divisive and simplistic” narratives.
“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,” it warned.
The AUC urged international allies, particularly the United States, to take a constructive approach rather than resorting to military threats.
“The AUC urges external partners, including the United States, to engage Nigeria through diplomatic dialogue, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building partnerships, while respecting Nigerian sovereignty.
“Resorting to unilateral threats of military intervention could undermine continental peace, regional stability, and AU norms for peaceful conflict management,” the commission said.
The AU emphasized its readiness to support Nigeria through peace and security mechanisms, capacity-building programs, and strategic partnerships.
“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 statement concluded.
On November 1, US President Donald Trump announced that he had authorized the Pentagon to prepare “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in Nigeria, stating that the decision was intended to safeguard Christian communities.
In a statement from Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova asked Washington to act properly and in accordance with international law.
“We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms,” she said.
Last Friday, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that extreme Islamist groups pose an “existential threat” to Christianity in Nigeria.
“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 went on to say that the US “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening” and that his administration was “ready, willing, and able to protect our great Christian population around the world.”
He also requested members of Congress to look into the problem, directing Congressman Riley Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to report back to him.
In response, the Federal Government denied the charges, with President Bola Tinubu repeating that Nigeria values religious freedom and defends the rights of all faiths.
