Following the recent statements by the United States President Donald Trump claiming Nigerian complicity in attacks against Christians and threatening possible military action, the African Union Commission on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, religious freedom, and the rule of law.
The commission also explained on the importance of diplomacy and constructive engagement over military threats.
The AUC, which stated this through a press statement issued on Friday through it official x handle, spoke on 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, counter-terrorism, 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.
While addressing concerns about alleged religious persecution, the statement 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.
While cautioning cautioning against portraying Nigeria’s security problems as religiously motivated, the AU totally 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 AUC in the statement, 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.
