AU, ECOWAS, and EU rally behind Nigeria amid U.S. threats of military action

The African Union (AU) has expressed serious concern over recent statements from the United States suggesting possible military intervention in Nigeria, following allegations that the Nigerian government has failed to protect Christian communities from violence.

In a statement issued late Friday and signed by ten senior AU commissioners, the bloc reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment” to sovereignty, non-interference, and religious freedom as enshrined in the AU Constitutive Act and related continental frameworks.

It also insisted on Nigeria’s sovereign right to manage its internal affairs in line with its Constitution and international obligations.

“Any external engagement must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity,” the AU said.

The statement followed remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused Nigerian authorities of “complicity” in the killing of Christians and warned of possible “military action to defend religious freedom.”

Business Insider Africa reported that Mr. Trump had also designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and suspended arms sales and technical support for the country.

The AU described such rhetoric as “dangerous and counterproductive.”

While acknowledging Nigeria’s complex security environment, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts, the regional bloc urged partners to assist Abuja through capacity-building, intelligence cooperation, and peacebuilding initiatives rather than coercive measures.

It warned that “simplifying these multifaceted challenges through a religious lens risks inflaming tensions and undermining long-term solutions.”

On Tuesday, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) voiced its concern and said it “strongly” rejected U.S. allegations that Nigeria allowed terrorists to kill Christians.

The bloc dismissed the “false and dangerous claims that seek to deepen insecurity in communities and weaken social cohesion in the region.”

ECOWAS, recently chaired by the Nigerian President, emphasised that terror attacks in West Africa targeted civilians of all faiths and called on the United Nations and international partners to support counter-terrorism efforts while “treating as false any claims that these terrorist groups target one group, or that there is a genocide of one religious group in the region.”

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU), through its ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, affirmed solidarity with Nigeria. He said,

“Solidarity with the victims of violence, with the authorities working to protect citizens, and with the Nigerian people who overwhelmingly desire peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and religious divides. We respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional commitment to religious neutrality.”

Mignot added that the EU was ready to deepen cooperation in peace, security, and defence, and to continue dialogue with civil society, as well as traditional and religious leaders.