AU reaffirms support for Nigeria’s sovereignty amid U.S. threat

The African Union Commission (AUC) has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, religious freedom, and the rule of law following recent statements by the United States alleging government complicity in the targeted killing of Christians and hinting at possible military action.

In a statement issued from its headquarters in Addis Ababa, the AUC underscored its adherence to the principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and respect for the internal affairs of Member States as outlined in the AU Constitutive Act.

“The Federal Republic of 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 statement read.

The Commission emphasized that Nigeria retains the sovereign right to manage its internal affairs — including security and human rights — in line with its Constitution and international commitments.

It also expressed full support for Nigeria’s assurances that its Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief, and that the government rejects all forms of religious persecution.

Acknowledging the country’s multifaceted security challenges, the AUC noted that Nigeria continues to grapple with violent extremism, banditry, communal clashes, and resource-related conflicts that affect citizens across religious and ethnic lines.

The Commission called for greater regional and international cooperation to help strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to protect civilians, uphold human rights, and ensure justice for victims of violence.

The AU also warned against external narratives that “weaponize religion” or oversimplify Nigeria’s complex security situation, saying such portrayals risk deepening divisions and undermining peace efforts.

“Conflating all violence with a single religious-target narrative may hinder effective solutions and destabilize communities,” the Commission stated.

The AUC further urged the United States and other external partners to prioritize diplomatic dialogue, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building over unilateral threats of military intervention, which it cautioned could undermine regional stability and continental peace frameworks.

Reiterating its readiness to assist through peace and security mechanisms and strategic partnerships, the Commission concluded by reaffirming its commitment to supporting all Member States in promoting peace, security, human rights, and development across Africa while upholding the principles of sovereignty and non-interference.