Nigeria’s insecurity driven by multiple factors, EU tackles US
Nigeria’s insecurity driven by multiple factors, EU tackles US
The European Union has diverged from recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump on Nigeria, emphasising that the violence in the country cannot be attributed solely to religion.
EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Anouar El Anouni, said in Brussels that while the bloc had “taken note of the statements made by the American administration,” it recognised that Nigeria’s security crisis was rooted in complex and interrelated causes.
“We recognize the many factors behind the violence in Nigeria. Let us note that religion is only one of these factors, and only in certain instances,” El Anouni stated.
He reaffirmed the EU’s “commitment to freedom of religion and belief, and to the protection of all communities, especially minorities,” while underscoring Europe’s long-standing support for peace and coexistence in Nigeria.
“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,” he said.
“We underline our commitment to the peaceful coexistence of the Nigerian population, beyond geographical, ethnic, political, or religious differences.”
El Anouni added that the EU continued to collaborate with Nigerian authorities to address the underlying causes of insecurity and to provide aid to affected populations.
“The European Union cooperates with the competent Nigerian authorities and implements multifaceted support in Nigeria to prevent violence, to encourage the consolidation of peace, and to assist the victims of violence and forced displacement,” he said.
The EU’s position comes amid growing diplomatic debate over Washington’s tone on Nigeria and renewed concern about escalating violence in parts of the country.
