The African Union Commission (AUC) has rejected recent statements by the United States of America accusing the Nigerian government of being complicit in the targeted killing of Christians and threatening possible military action.
In a statement published on the organisation’s website on Friday, AU reiterated its unwavering commitment to sovereignty, non-interference, religious freedom, and the rule of law as enshrined in the African Union Constitutive Act and related instruments.
The AUC serves as the secretariat of the African Union and is responsible for the Union’s day-to-day operations. It is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to the statement, the AUC reaffirmed that 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 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. Any external engagement must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity,” the statement said.
The Commission also echoed Nigeria’s consistent stance that its Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief, emphasizing that the Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected all forms of religious persecution.
While acknowledging that Nigeria faces complex security challenges, the AUC noted that these threats affect citizens of all faiths.
“Nigeria faces complex security challenges affecting citizens of all faiths, including violent extremist groups, banditry, communal violence, and resource-based conflicts.
“The AUC rejects any narrative that weaponizes religion or oversimplifies security challenges. Conflating all violence with a single religious-target narrative may hinder effective solutions and destabilize communities,” the statement said.
In a clear message to Washington, the AU emphasized that external partners should engage Africa’s largest democracy through diplomatic dialogue, mutual respect, and partnership, not military threats.
Last week, US President Donald Trump threatened military action against Nigeria and accused the President Bola Tinubu administration of allowing the mass slaughter of Christians.
On Tuesday, the Economic Community of West African States also formally rejected United States allegations regarding religious violence in Nigeria, characterizing the claims as inaccurate and potentially destabilizing for regional security.