“We’ll do things Nigeria won’t be happy about” – Trump renew threat amid reports of Christian massacres
The African Union Commission (AUC) has firmly defended Nigeria’s sovereignty and religious freedom following threats of military action from US President Donald Trump.
In a statement issued on November 6 via its official X account, the AU emphasized that diplomacy and cooperation must take priority over any external interference that could destabilize regional peace.
“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 AUC said.
The AU stressed that any foreign involvement must respect Nigeria’s sovereign right to manage its internal affairs, including matters of security, human rights, and religious freedom. The commission also highlighted that alleged religious persecution should not be oversimplified or weaponized, noting that Nigeria faces complex security challenges affecting all citizens, regardless of faith.
The AUC called on international partners, including the United States, to engage Nigeria through diplomatic dialogue, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building partnerships, warning that unilateral military threats could undermine peace and regional stability.
This statement comes after Trump instructed the Pentagon to prepare “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in Nigeria, citing attacks on Christian communities. Trump declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern”, claiming radical Islamists are responsible for widespread killings and pledging US intervention to protect Christians.
In response, the Nigerian government rejected the allegations, reaffirming that it upholds religious freedom and protects the rights of all faiths. Meanwhile, Russia called on the US to act responsibly and comply with international law.
As tensions simmer globally, the AU’s intervention underscores the importance of sovereignty, diplomacy, and peaceful conflict resolution in the face of international threats.
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