EU affirms respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, distances itself from Trump’s military threat
The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and pledged continued cooperation on peacebuilding, human rights and interfaith dialogue, following calls by former U.S. President Donald Trump for military intervention in the country.
Gautier Mignot, the EU ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made the remarks in an interview in Lagos on Tuesday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). His comments are the latest international response to Trump’s claim that the Nigerian government has ignored the targeted killing of Christians — allegations Nigerian authorities have rejected.
Mignot stressed that the EU’s position is guided by its long-standing partnership with Nigeria rather than reactions to external political statements.
“Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria,” he said. “Solidarity with the victims of violence, with the authorities working to protect citizens, and with the Nigerian people who overwhelmingly desire peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and religious divides. We respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional commitment to religious neutrality.”
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He said the EU is prepared to enhance its support in peace, security and defence cooperation, including through engagement with civil society groups, traditional institutions and religious leaders.
“We also support programmes on deradicalisation, demobilisation and reintegration of ex-members of non-state armed groups in the north-east,” Mignot added.
Acknowledging that Nigeria continues to face challenges related to human rights and religious freedoms, the ambassador noted that the country’s legal framework provides the necessary foundation for safeguarding those rights.
“The situation is not perfect, as in any country, but there exists a constitutional basis for the protection of human rights,” he said. “It is up to Nigerian authorities and society as a whole to uphold and strengthen this environment of peaceful coexistence.”
He emphasised that the EU remains committed to protecting all communities, including religious minorities, and will continue offering non-discriminatory assistance to victims of violence, regardless of the motives behind such attacks.
Mignot also disclosed that a dedicated peace, security and defence dialogue between Nigeria and the EU is expected soon as part of ongoing efforts to deepen strategic cooperation.
He reiterated that Nigeria’s stability and prosperity ultimately depend on Nigerians themselves. “The country’s future lies firmly in the hands of Nigerians,” he said.
Earlier, ECOWAS dismissed claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria as false, urging international partners to disregard such narratives and instead support regional efforts to confront terrorism.
