The African Union Commission on Friday publicly defended the sovereign rights of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and urged diplomatic engagement after reported statements from the United States suggesting Nigerian complicity in the targeted killing of Christians and threatening military strikes.
In a formal statement, the AUC said it “notes with concern” the recent U.S. allegations and emphasized that Nigeria is a longstanding and valued member of the Union, with a central role in regional stability, counter terrorism and peacekeeping.
The Commission said it “fully respects Nigeria’s sovereign right to manage its internal affairs,” including matters of security, religious freedom and human rights, and warned that any external engagement must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity.
The AUC reiterated that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief, and that the government has repeatedly rejected all forms of religious persecution. It also cautioned against simplifying complex security dynamics into a single religious target narrative, saying such framing “may hinder effective solutions and destabilize communities.”
The Commission highlighted the multifaceted nature of Nigeria’s security challenges, citing violent extremist groups, banditry, communal violence and resource based conflict as threats that affect citizens of all faiths. It called for enhanced regional and international cooperation — including diplomatic dialogue, intelligence sharing and capacity building — to help Nigeria and other affected countries strengthen their ability to protect civilians, uphold human rights and bring perpetrators to justice.
“We urge external partners, including the United States, to prioritize engagement through diplomacy and partnership rather than unilateral threats of military intervention,” the AUC said, stressing that such threats could undermine continental stability.
The Commission also signaled its readiness to provide support through the African Union’s peace and security architecture, capacity building programs and strategic partnerships.
The statement did not provide details on any consultations between the AUC and either Nigerian or U.S. officials, nor did it quantify the U.S. statements it referenced.
Nigerian authorities have in recent years faced international scrutiny over communal and sectarian violence in parts of the country. The AUC’s declaration frames the response in terms of respect for sovereignty and the need for collaborative solutions.
Analysts say the AUC position reflects broader African concerns about external military interventions and the preference for multilateral approaches to security crises on the continent.
