Key international blocs and nations have dismissed United States President Donald Trump’s warning of possible military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians, cautioning that such assertions misrepresent the country’s multifaceted security problems.
In separate statements, the European Union (EU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and China urged restraint and emphasized respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty. They stressed that terrorist activities in the region affect people of all faiths without discrimination.
The EU pointed out that religion is only one among several contributors to Nigeria’s insecurity and, in many cases, not the main factor driving violence.
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the legislature would work closely with the executive arm to address the U.S. president’s remarks. He explained that the American position relied on outdated intelligence and reaffirmed that Nigeria’s security challenges cut across all religions, not a single faith group.
The EU’s spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Anouar El Anouni, said the Union had taken note of the statements from Washington and extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks in southern and northeastern Nigeria.
“The EU reaffirms its commitment to freedom of religion and belief, and to the protection of all communities, especially minorities, and we underline our commitment to the peaceful coexistence of the Nigerian population beyond geographical, ethnic, political, or religious differences. We recognise the many factors behind the violence in Nigeria. Let us note that religion is only one of these factors, and only in certain instances,” he said.
El Anouni also explained that the EU is partnering with Nigerian institutions to strengthen peacebuilding efforts, prevent further violence, and support victims displaced by attacks.
Similarly, ECOWAS reiterated that violent extremism in West Africa does not target any particular religion, stressing that the crisis has affected Muslims, Christians, and followers of other beliefs alike.
According to the regional body, extremist groups have killed civilians of diverse backgrounds and continue to spread insecurity that disregards ethnicity, gender, or creed.
“The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) wishes to draw the attention of partners and the international community as a whole to the growing level of violence that terrorist groups of different colouration have perpetrated in some countries in the West African region, including Nigeria.
“Perpetrators of this violence target innocent civilians of all religious denominations, including Muslims, Christians, and adherents to other religions. As independent reports have confirmed over the years, terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity, or age,” ECOWAS stated.
The Commission appealed to the United Nations and other global partners to support regional counterterrorism efforts and disregard narratives portraying the situation as one-sided or as genocide against Christians.
“ECOWAS strongly rejects these false and dangerous claims that seek to deepen insecurity in communities and weaken social cohesion in the region. ECOWAS calls on the whole world to stand by the countries in the region in their fight against terrorism that targets all communities,” the statement added.
China also urged the United States to avoid interfering in Nigeria’s domestic affairs on religious or human rights grounds.
At a press briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China opposed any form of sanctions or threats of military intervention against Nigeria.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people to a development path that fits Nigeria’s national realities. We oppose any country’s interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We oppose the wanton threat of sanction and use of force,” Mao said.
She was responding to a journalist’s question referencing Trump’s decision to label Nigeria a “country of particular concern” on October 31, citing alleged persecution of Christians. The reporter also mentioned Nigeria’s response, in which the government rejected the U.S. assessment as inaccurate and reaffirmed its dedication to protecting citizens, promoting diversity, and combating violent extremism.
Meanwhile, U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore defended Trump’s remarks in a post on X, stating, “President Trump is absolutely right to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering horrific persecution, and even martyrdom, for their faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. China will not dictate our foreign policy to us, and we will not be lectured to by a Communist autocracy that recently arrested 30 Christian pastors for their faith and throws ethnic minorities in concentration camps.”
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