African Union Breaks Silence on Trump's Nigeria Invasion Threat
The African Union Commission has issued a powerful statement defending Nigeria's sovereignty and religious freedom following alarming threats of military action by former US President Donald Trump. The continental body broke its silence on November 6, 2025, through an official statement posted on its X account.
The African Union Commission firmly rejected any external interference in Nigeria's internal affairs, emphasizing the country's crucial role in regional stability and peacekeeping initiatives across the continent.
AU's Strong Defense of Nigerian Sovereignty
In their carefully worded response, the AUC described Nigeria as a "longstanding and valued member state" that plays a critical role in counter-terrorism efforts and continental integration. The commission stressed that any foreign involvement must respect Nigeria's constitutional right to manage its own security and religious matters.
"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," the statement explicitly declared.
Addressing Trump's specific allegations about Christian persecution, the African Union backed Nigeria's constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, noting that the government "rejects all forms of religious persecution."
Trump's Controversial Military Threat
The AU's response comes directly after Donald Trump's explosive social media post on November 1, 2025, where he announced he had instructed the Pentagon to prepare "options for possible military measures" against terrorist groups in Nigeria.
Trump specifically cited the need to protect Christian communities, claiming that "thousands of Christians are being killed" by radical Islamists. He designated Nigeria as a "country of particular concern" and pledged his administration was "ready, willing, and able to protect our great Christian population around the world."
The former president also called on Congress to investigate the situation, directing Congressman Riley Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to report back to him.
Nigeria and International Reactions
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu swiftly dismissed the allegations, reaffirming from Moscow that Nigeria upholds religious freedom and protects the rights of all faiths. The government's position received unexpected support from an unlikely source.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova weighed in on the controversy, calling on Washington to "act responsibly and in accordance with international law." She stated that Russia was "closely monitoring this issue" and urged all parties to comply with international legal norms.
Religious leaders within Nigeria also responded, with Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, sending an urgent message to President Tinubu during the November Holy Ghost Service. He urged the federal government to act swiftly and diplomatically to prevent any escalation that could endanger the nation.
AU Calls for Diplomacy Over Military Action
The African Union Commission acknowledged Nigeria's complex security challenges, including violent extremism, banditry, and communal clashes, but cautioned against framing these issues solely through a religious lens.
"Nigeria faces complex security challenges affecting citizens of all faiths," the commission noted, rejecting any narrative that "weaponises religion or oversimplifies security challenges."
The AUC urged international partners, including the United States, to pursue diplomatic dialogue, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building partnerships rather than unilateral military threats. The commission warned that military intervention could "undermine continental peace, regional stability, and AU norms for peaceful conflict management."
The African Union concluded by expressing its readiness to assist Nigeria through peace and security mechanisms, strategic partnerships, and development programs, reinforcing its commitment to African solutions for African challenges.
