EU: We respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, religious neutrality

Gautier Mignot, European Union (EU) ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, says the bloc respects the nation’s sovereignty and its commitment to strengthening cooperation on peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and human rights protection.

Mignot’s remarks come in response to US President Donald Trump’s threat of military intervention in Nigeria, purportedly to “protect Christians” from alleged targeted killings the government has “ignored”.

NAN reports that the EU ambassador spoke in an interview in Lagos on Tuesday.

He noted that the EU’s position was not influenced by external actors but rooted in its long-standing partnership and shared values with Nigeria.

“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.”

Mignot said the EU is ready to enhance its support in peace, security and defence matters, as well as through dialogue with all stakeholders, including civil society organisations and traditional and religious leaders.

“We also support programmes on deradicalisation, demobilisation and reintegration of ex-members of non-state armed groups in the north-east,” he said.

He noted that while Nigeria faces challenges in human rights and freedom of religion, its legal and institutional framework provides for fundamental freedoms.

“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 said the EU would remain committed to the protection of all communities, especially minorities with the freedom of religion and belief, and would provide non-discriminatory support, covering all victims of violence irrespective of motives.

Mignot disclosed that a peace, security and defence dialogue between Nigeria and the EU is expected soon as part of efforts to deepen strategic cooperation.

He stressed that the EU’s guiding principle is to help Nigeria reinforce stability and prosperity, noting that the country’s future “lies firmly in the hands of Nigerians themselves”.

Earlier, ECOWAS had dismissed claims of a Christian genocide as false.

The regional bloc urged international partners to disregard the narratives and support the region in tackling terrorism.