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ADDIS ABBA, Nov 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The African Union Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, religious freedom, and the rule of law in response to recent statements by the United States suggesting Nigerian complicity in attacks against Christians and threatening possible military action.
The commission emphasised the importance of diplomacy and constructive engagement over military threats.
In a press release issued on Friday via its official X account, the AUC underscored the need to respect Nigeria’s right to manage 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, counterterrorism, peacekeeping initiatives, and continental integration,” the statement read.
The commission 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.
Addressing concerns about alleged religious persecution, the AUC reaffirmed 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 stated.
The AU also acknowledged the complex security challenges facing Nigeria, including violent extremism, 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.
Cautioning 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 weaponises religion or oversimplifies security challenges. Conflating all violence with a single religious-target narrative may hinder effective solutions and destabilise communities,” it warned.
Urging diplomacy over military threats, the AUC appealed to international partners, including the United States, to adopt a cooperative approach.
“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 reaffirmed its readiness to support Nigeria through peace and security mechanisms, capacity-building programmes, 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, 2025, US President Donald Trump said he had directed the Pentagon to draw up “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in Nigeria, claiming the move was aimed at protecting Christian communities.
In a reaction from Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova urged Washington to act responsibly and in line with international law.
“We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms,” she said.
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 added that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” pledging that his administration was “ready, willing, and able to protect our great Christian population around the world.”
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 dismissed the allegations, with President Bola Tinubu reaffirming that Nigeria upholds religious freedom and protects the rights of all faiths. — NNN-AGENCIES