African Union Defends Nigeria’s Sovereignty, Rejects U.S. Threat Of Military Action

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The African Union Commission (AUC) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, declaring firm support for the country’s constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and the rule of law.

In a statement released on Friday, the Commission expressed concern over recent remarks by the United States government alleging that the Nigerian authorities were complicit in the targeted killings of Christians and threatening possible military intervention.

Reiterating the principles enshrined in the African Union Constitutive Act, the AUC emphasised that Nigeria remains a longstanding and valued member of the continental body, contributing significantly to regional stability, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and continental integration.

“The African Union fully respects Nigeria’s sovereign right to manage its internal affairs, including security, religious freedom, and human rights, in accordance with its Constitution and international obligations,” the statement read.

The Commission underscored that Nigeria faces complex security challenges affecting citizens of all faiths, including terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, and resource-driven conflicts.

It called for enhanced regional and international cooperation to strengthen the country’s capacity to address insecurity, protect civilians, uphold human rights, and ensure justice for victims.

The AU further warned against the weaponisation of religion or the oversimplification of Nigeria’s multifaceted security issues, noting that framing violence solely through a religious lens risks undermining effective solutions and destabilising communities.

“The AUC urges external partners, including the United States, to engage Nigeria through diplomatic dialogue, intelligence-sharing, and capacity-building partnerships rather than unilateral threats of military intervention,” the statement continued.

Such actions, the Commission cautioned, could undermine continental peace, regional stability, and the AU’s established norms for peaceful conflict management.

The African Union reaffirmed its readiness to support Nigeria and other member states through its peace and security architecture, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic partnerships aimed at promoting stability, development, and respect for the rule of law across Africa.