The African Union Commission (AUC) has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity, and religious freedom, amid recent criticisms from the United States accusing the Nigerian government of complicity in targeted attacks on Christians.
In a strongly worded statement released in Addis Ababa on Friday, the AUC urged external partners, including the U.S., to respect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and pursue diplomatic engagement rather than “unilateral threats of military intervention.”
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria remains a valued Member State of the African Union, contributing immensely to regional stability, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and continental integration,” the Commission said.
The AUC emphasized that Nigeria has the sovereign right to manage its internal affairs, including security and human rights, within its constitutional and international obligations. It warned that external interference could undermine national unity and destabilize the region.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s ongoing battles against terrorism, banditry, and communal violence, the AU called for stronger regional and international cooperation to help the country protect its citizens, uphold human rights, and bring perpetrators to justice.
The Commission also cautioned against portraying Nigeria’s insecurity in purely religious terms, describing such narratives as dangerous and divisive.
“Conflating all violence with a single religious-target narrative may hinder effective solutions and risk weaponizing religion,” the statement warned.
Reaffirming that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief, the AUC noted that the Nigerian government has consistently denied engaging in or endorsing religious persecution.
The AU pledged continued partnership with Nigeria through its peace, security, and governance frameworks, emphasizing that collaboration, not confrontation, is the way forward.
“The Commission remains committed to supporting Member States in promoting peace, security, human rights, and development, while upholding sovereignty and non-interference,” the AUC concluded.
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