02/11/2025
RESPECT FOR NIGERIA’S SOVEREIGNTY: A Response to Donald Trump’s Warning
By,
Comrade Abdullahi Ghali Basaf
2nd November, 2025
Recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump warning Nigeria about the alleged persecution of Christians have sparked renewed debate about international respect for national sovereignty. While concern for human rights anywhere in the world is commendable, Mr. Trump’s statement risks violating a foundational principle of global order: the sovereign equality of nations.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is not a U.S. territory, protectorate, or region it is an independent state and a member of the United Nations since 1960. Under Article 2(1) of the United Nations Charter (1945), “the Organization is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members.” This means that no country, regardless of its size or power, has authority to dictate or “warn” another sovereign state as though it were under its jurisdiction.
Equally important, Article 2(7) of the Charter provides that “nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state.” If even the UN itself is bound to respect this principle, it follows that no individual nation or political figure has the right to interfere in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
The Atlantic Charter of 1941, one of the moral foundations for the creation of the UN, declared the signatories’ commitment “to see sovereign rights and self-government restored to those who have been forcibly deprived of them.” Ironically, a statement such as Mr. Trump’s stands against this very spirit of self-determination and mutual respect.
INSECURITY in Nigeria Is a National Challenge, Not a Religious War
Nigeria’s internal security challenges banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and armed robbery are complex and affect all faiths. It is inaccurate and unfair to portray the crisis as a targeted campaign against Christians alone. In the northern regions especially, both Muslim and Christian communities suffer frequent attacks from violent non-state actors who are motivated by criminal and political factors rather than purely religious hatred.
By simplifying the issue into a Christian-versus-Muslim narrative, external commentators risk deepening division, fuelling mistrust, and undermining the national unity that is essential for confronting insecurity. Nigeria’s federal and state governments continue to work albeit with acknowledged challenges to improve security, enhance intelligence cooperation, and rebuild trust among diverse communities.
The UN General Assembly’s Declaration on the Inadmissibility of Intervention in the Domestic Affairs of States (Resolution 2131 [XX], 1965) reaffirms that “no state has the right to intervene, directly or indirectly, for any reason whatever, in the internal or external affairs of any other state.” This principle is not a shield for impunity it is a rule designed to maintain international peace and equality.
When world leaders or former officials publicly issue threats or warnings to other countries, they risk undermining this equilibrium. Constructive engagement through diplomatic dialogue, technical cooperation, and respect for local leadership—is the proper channel for expressing concern over human-rights or security issues.
Nigeria values friendship and cooperation with the United States and all international partners. However, respect must be mutual. Support for peace, security, and human rights in Nigeria should be offered in a manner consistent with international law and with full recognition of Nigeria’s sovereign authority.
The way forward is through collaboration sharing intelligence, supporting economic development, empowering local peace initiatives not through unilateral “warnings” that disregard the equality of nations.
