By Joy Odor | Abuja
The European Union (EU) has distanced itself from the recent remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump on Nigeria, reaffirming its support for peace, religious freedom, and national unity in Africa’s largest democracy.
Responding to questions in Brussels on Tuesday, EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Anouar El Anouni, said the bloc had “taken note” of the statements attributed to the American administration but stressed that the EU remains focused on constructive engagement and long-term stability in Nigeria.
“The EU expresses its solidarity with all the communities and families affected by violence, including the recent large-scale attacks in the southern belt and the northeast of Nigeria,” El Anouni said.
He reaffirmed that the European Union stands for freedom of religion and belief, emphasizing protection for all communities, especially minorities, and the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria’s diverse population across geographical, ethnic, political, and religious lines.
“We recognize the many factors behind the violence in Nigeria. Religion is only one of these factors and only in certain instances,” the spokesperson clarified, in what analysts interpret as a subtle correction to the tone of Trump’s comments, which framed Nigeria’s security crisis as purely religious.
The EU statement underscores Europe’s strategic partnership with Nigeria, highlighting its multi-pronged approach supporting federal and state authorities to prevent violence, consolidate peace, and assist victims of terrorism and forced displacement.
European diplomats in Abuja informed that the bloc’s approach “balances empathy with engagement,” avoiding inflammatory rhetoric that could heighten tensions in a country already grappling with insecurity and economic strain.
The latest remarks from Brussels are being read in diplomatic circles as a measured rebuke to Washington’s recent tone signaling that the EU prefers quiet cooperation over political confrontation when dealing with Nigeria’s complex mix of governance, security, and religious dynamics.
