African Union Commission
1Min
South Africa
Nov 8, 2025
As tensions mount between the United States and Nigeria due to allegations of religious persecution, the African Union Commission steps in to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and promote a nuanced understanding of its complex security challenges.
The African Union Commission (AUC) has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, religious freedom, and rule of law.
This comes as the country has received an avalanche of attacks from US President Donald Trump, who recently threatened to invade Nigeria over the alleged persecution of Christians in that country.
On Friday, United States lawmaker Riley Moore is reported to have introduced a congressional resolution condemning the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria and expressing support for President Donald Trump’s efforts to address the crisis.
According to The Punch News, Moore took to his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, where he said the resolution, filed in the House of Representatives on Friday and titled “Condemning the persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a decisive action to end the existential threat that persecuted Christians face in Nigeria,” has already been submitted and referred to the relevant House committee.
Trump’s call to go to Nigeria guns blazing has been sparked by reports that, for months on end, campaigners and politicians in Washington have alleged that the existence of Islamist militants was systematically targeting Christians in Nigeria.
On Saturday, in a statement, the African Union Commission (AUC) reiterated its unwavering commitment to the principles of sovereignty, non-interference, religious freedom, and the rule of law, as enshrined in the African Union Constitutive Act and related instruments.
The Commission stated that it was concerned about recent statements by Trump's wild allegations that the Government of Nigeria is complicit in the targeted killing of Christians and threatening military action.
“The AUC emphasises that 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 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. Any external engagement must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity,” it said.
As a result, the AUC says it supports Nigeria’s repeated affirmation that its Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief and that the Government rejects all forms of religious persecution despite security challenges in the country.
“Nigeria faces complex security challenges affecting citizens of all faiths, including violent extremist groups, banditry, communal violence, and resource-based conflicts. The AUC calls for regional and international cooperation to support Nigeria and other African countries in strengthening capacity to respond to insecurity, protect all citizens, uphold human rights, and bring perpetrators of violence to justice,” AUC said on Saturday.
When it comes to stability in Nigeria, the Commission said it is ready to help Nigeria navigate some of its challenges.
“The AUC remains ready to provide support through its peace and security architecture, capacity-building programs, and strategic partnerships. The AUC rejects any narrative that weaponizes religion or oversimplifies security challenges. Conflating all violence with a single religious-target narrative may hinder effective solutions and destabilize communities,” it said.
