AU Warns US Against Military Threats, Backs Nigeria’s Sovereignty, Religious Freedom
The African Union Commission (AUC) has cautioned the United States against issuing military threats over alleged religious persecution in Nigeria, urging Washington to pursue diplomacy and partnership instead.
In a statement released on Friday through its official X handle, the AU reaffirmed Nigeria’s sovereignty, religious freedom, and commitment to the rule of law.
It stressed that Nigeria remains a vital member of the continental body, playing key roles in regional peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and integration efforts.
“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 commission underscored that any foreign intervention must respect 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 allegations of Christian persecution, the AU reaffirmed that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief, aligning with the country’s repeated public assurances.
“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,” it stated.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s complex security landscape, the AUC noted that terrorism, banditry, and communal violence affect citizens across religious lines, warning against framing these challenges through divisive 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,” the statement warned.
The continental body called on international partners, particularly the United States, to prioritise cooperation over confrontation.
“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,” it said.
It further warned that unilateral military action could destabilise the region and violate AU principles of peaceful conflict resolution.
The AUC reaffirmed its readiness to support Nigeria through peace and security mechanisms, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative programmes aimed at strengthening stability.
The statement followed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who last week directed the Pentagon to explore “options for possible military measures” in Nigeria, claiming the move was to protect Christians from alleged extremist attacks.
Russia also weighed in on the controversy, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova urging Washington to act responsibly and adhere to international law.
Back home, President Bola Tinubu dismissed the US allegations, reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and equal protection for all faiths.
