China and the European Union (EU) said yesterday they were solidly behind Nigeria in its efforts to wipe out terrorists, bandits and other criminals.
Also, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) pointed out that reports show that terrorist-related violence does not discriminate based on gender, religion, ethnicity or age.
EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security, Anouar El Anouni, who reacted to Trump’s threat, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to freedom of religion and belief, and to the protection of all communities.
“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 added.
He assured that the European bloc has taken note of the statements made by the American administration concerning Nigeria.
El Anouni added: ‘’The EU reaffirms its commitment to freedom of religion and belief, and to the protection of all communities, especially to minorities, and we underline our commitment to the peaceful coexistence of the Nigerian population, beyond geographical, ethnic, political, or religious differences.
‘’We recognise the many factors behind the violence in Nigeria. Let us note that religion is only one of these factors, and only in certain instances.
“The European Union cooperates with the competent Nigerian authorities and implements multi-faceted support in Nigeria to prevent violence, to encourage the consolidation of peace and to assist the victims of violence and forced displacement.”
In Beijing, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, told reporters at a news conference that Beijing would not turn its back on a ‘’comprehensive strategic partner’’ like Nigeria, especially in its time of challenge.
“We oppose any country’s interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We oppose the wanton threat of sanctions and use of force,” Ning said.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people to a development path that fits Nigeria’s national realities,” he added.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, ECOWAS drew the attention of its partners and the international community to the growing level of violence that terrorist groups of different colouration have perpetrated in some countries in the West African region, including Nigeria.
It said it was important for all to note that perpetrators of violence target innocent civilians of all religious denominations, including Muslims, Christians, and adherents to other religions.
The regional bloc rejected ‘’false and dangerous claims’’ that seek to deepen insecurity in communities and weaken social cohesion in the region.
The statement reads in part: “Perpetrators of this violence target innocent civilians of all religious denominations, including Muslims, Christians, and adherents to other religions.
“As independent reports have confirmed over the years, terrorist-related violence does not discriminate based on gender, religion, ethnicity or age.
“ECOWAS calls on the United Nations and all partners to support member states in their fight against these groups and to treat as false any claims that these terrorist groups target one group, or that there is a genocide of one religious group in the region.
ECOWAS calls on the whole world to stand by the countries in the region in their fight against terrorism that targets all communities.’’
