US Threats on Nigeria: EU Offers Solidarity and Multifaceted Aid

Segun Ojumu

BRUSSELS – The European Union has publicly addressed recent statements made by the American administration concerning Nigeria, emphasizing its commitment to supporting affected communities while cautioning against oversimplifying the drivers of the persistent violence across the West African nation.

Anouar El Anouni, the EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security, outlined the bloc’s position when questioned by journalists on Monday regarding whether “American threats towards Nigeria prompt a reaction from the EEAS [European External Action Service}. “The spokesperson confirmed the EU had “taken note of the statements made by the American administration” but focused the EU’s response on expressing solidarity and outlining its ongoing engagement in the country.”The EU expresses its solidarity with all the communities and families affected by the violence, including the recent large-scale attacks in the southern belt of Nigeria and in the northeast,” El Anouni stated.

Commitment to Coexistence.

Brussels reiterated its fundamental principles regarding human rights and community protection, specifically referencing the diverse religious landscape in Nigeria.”The EU reaffirms its commitment to freedom of religion and belief, and to the protection of all communities, especially to minorities,” El Anouni said. “We underline our commitment to the peaceful coexistence of the Nigerian population, beyond geographical, ethnic, political, or religious differences.”Crucially, the EU spokesperson offered a nuanced view on the underlying causes of the conflicts, suggesting that the crisis is multi-layered.”We recognize the many factors behind the violence in Nigeria,” the spokesperson noted. “Let us note that religion is only one of these factors, and only in certain instances.”

Multifaceted Support

The statement concluded by stressing the EU’s continued and practical cooperation with Abuja to address the violence and its humanitarian consequences.”The European Union cooperates with the competent Nigerian authorities and implement multifaceted support in Nigeria to prevent violence, to encourage the consolidation of peace and to assist the victims of violence and forced displacement,” El Anouni confirmed. The comments come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with several complex security challenges, including a long-running Islamist insurgency in the North East, persistent banditry and mass kidnappings, and clashes often framed as farmer-herder conflicts, particularly in the Middle Belt and southern regions.