The African Union Fee (AUC) has rejected current statements by the US of America accusing the Nigerian authorities of being complicit within the focused killing of Christians and threatening attainable army motion.
In an announcement revealed on the organisation’s web site on Friday, AU reiterated its unwavering dedication to sovereignty, non-interference, spiritual freedom, and the rule of regulation as enshrined within the African Union Constitutive Act and associated devices.
The AUC serves because the secretariat of the African Union and is answerable for the Union’s day-to-day operations. It’s headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Based on the assertion, the AUC reaffirmed that Nigeria is a longstanding and valued Member State of the African Union, taking part in a key function in regional stability, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping initiatives, and continental integration.
“The AUC absolutely respects Nigeria’s sovereign proper to handle its inside affairs, together with safety, spiritual freedom, and human rights, in keeping with its Structure and worldwide obligations. Any exterior engagement should respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity,” the assertion stated.
The Fee additionally echoed Nigeria’s constant stance that its Structure ensures freedom of faith and perception, emphasizing that the Nigerian authorities has repeatedly rejected all types of spiritual persecution.
Whereas acknowledging that Nigeria faces advanced safety challenges, the AUC famous that these threats have an effect on residents of all faiths.
“Nigeria faces advanced safety challenges affecting residents of all faiths, together with violent extremist teams, banditry, communal violence, and resource-based conflicts.
“The AUC rejects any narrative that weaponizes faith or oversimplifies safety challenges. Conflating all violence with a single religious-target narrative could hinder efficient options and destabilize communities,” the assertion stated.
In a transparent message to Washington, the AU emphasised that exterior companions ought to have interaction Africa’s largest democracy by diplomatic dialogue, mutual respect, and partnership, not army threats.
Backstory
Final week, US President Donald Trump threatened army motion towards Nigeria and accused the President Bola Tinubu administration of permitting the mass slaughter of Christians.
- Trump designated Nigeria a Nation of Specific Concern (CPC) and suspended arms gross sales and technical assist for the nation.
- This announcement adopted months of campaigns and calls for by right-wing US lawmakers for the nation to sanction Nigeria for permitting the “persecution of Christians.”
- Though the Nigerian authorities has denied the claims, Trump insisted that US army motion towards Nigeria could be “quick, vicious, and candy.”
- Additionally, Nairametrics earlier reported that the US army has developed a variety of contingency plans for potential army motion in Nigeria following a directive from President Trump.
- Based on a New York Occasions report revealed on Wednesday, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has submitted a set of operational choices to the Division of Warfare on the request of Secretary Pete Hegseth.
On Tuesday, the Financial Group of West African States additionally formally rejected United States allegations concerning spiritual violence in Nigeria, characterizing the claims as inaccurate and probably destabilizing for regional safety.