China has rejected the recent threat by former US President Donald Trump to take military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians. The Chinese government said it firmly opposes any external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
In a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, spokesperson Mao Ning said China supports Nigeria’s right to choose its own development path in line with its national realities. He warned against using religion and human rights as excuses for interference.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that fits its realities. We oppose any country’s interference in others’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion or human rights,” Mao stated.
Trump had recently accused Nigeria of tolerating the killing of Christians and threatened to cut aid or launch military action. His remarks sparked widespread criticism from US lawmakers, African leaders, and international organizations.
US lawmakers Gregory Meeks and Sara Jacobs called Trump’s comments “irresponsible and reckless,” noting that Nigeria’s violence affects both Christians and Muslims. They said Trump’s threat risked dragging the United States into unnecessary conflict and undermining humanitarian efforts.
Nigeria’s Federal Government dismissed Trump’s claims of genocide, insisting that extremists are spreading false narratives to divide the country. Minister of Information Mohammed Idris said President Bola Tinubu remains calm and continues to engage international partners to explain Nigeria’s security efforts.
He stressed that the Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of religion and urged citizens to reject extremist propaganda aimed at causing division.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the National Assembly will discuss Trump’s remarks with the executive arm, describing it as a foreign policy issue requiring a coordinated national response. He noted that insecurity affects all Nigerians, regardless of faith, and should not be viewed as a religious war.
Former Army Chief and ex-Minister of Interior, Lt Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau, also criticized Trump’s statement, saying the US is pursuing its own strategic interests. He warned that Washington may be seeking to establish a military base in Nigeria under the guise of protecting Christians.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also rejected Trump’s genocide claim, calling it false and dangerous. ECOWAS said terrorist groups in West Africa attack people of all faiths, not just one religious group. The regional body urged international partners to support member states in fighting terrorism rather than spreading divisive narratives.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the North and the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) urged unity among Nigerians. They said Trump’s statement should be seen as a call for peace and not an excuse for division.
The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) also rejected Trump’s military threat but urged the government to address the root causes of insecurity and ensure justice for victims of violence.
Bishop Stephen Adegbite of the NCPC emphasized that Nigeria’s conflict is not religious genocide but a complex security challenge that affects both Christians and Muslims. He said Nigeria needs international partnership and humanitarian support, not threats of invasion.
Former Nigerian diplomat Hassan Mohammed added that while the US can encourage religious freedom globally, it has no legal right to threaten war under the 1998 International Freedom of Religion Act. He described Trump’s military comments as unprecedented and contrary to international diplomacy.
Overall, global reactions to Trump’s threat reflect growing consensus that Nigeria’s security problems are complex and cannot be solved through external military pressure. Leaders across Africa and the US have instead called for dialogue, partnership, and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
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