Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian government said on Sunday that it welcomes any assistance from the United States in confronting terrorism
and the armed insurgency waged by Islamist groups in the northeast of the country.
But she stressed that any military cooperation must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This was in response to threats by US President Donald Trump to take
“swift military action” against Abuja over what he described as “mistreatment of Christians”.
Trump had stated on Saturday that he had directed the
US Department of Defense to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria.
If the government does not take effective steps to stop the killings of Christians, he said.
He added that he “will not stand idly by in the face of continued religious persecution in Africa.”
Respect national sovereignty
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded in an official statement saying that the government
“welcomes any support from its international partners in the war against terrorism.”
But she stressed that “any assistance must be provided within the framework of
respect for national sovereignty and international law.”
Observers noted that Trump’s statements are generating widespread controversy.
Independent reports indicate that the majority of victims of terrorist attacks in Nigeria are Muslims.
They have been subjected for years to repeated attacks
by the Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa groups.
Bloody battles
Nigeria has been waging bloody battles against the two extremist groups for more than a decade.
Whose activities have caused the deaths of tens of thousands
and the displacement of more than two million people.
Analysts believe that Washington’s intervention, if it occurs,
will further complicate the security and political landscape in the region.
Especially given Abuja’s extreme sensitivity to any foreign military presence on its territory.
