The Russian Government has announced that it is “keeping a close watch on developments in Nigeria” following a statement by United States President Donald Trump suggesting potential American military action in the country.
Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters that Russia is “closely monitoring this issue and calls on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms.”
Her comments were a direct response to a question from the Anadolu News Agency regarding Trump’s recent remarks.
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On November 1, Trump had stated that he had directed the Pentagon to draw up “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in Nigeria, claiming the action would be aimed at protecting Christian communities there.
Zakharova urged Washington to “act responsibly and within the bounds of international law,” reiterating: “We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms.”
Trump’s initial statement, posted on his Truth Social platform last Friday, claimed that Christianity in Nigeria was facing an “existential threat” from radical Islamist groups.
He wrote: “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby designating Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern.’”
Trump further stated that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” and pledged that his administration would be “ready, willing, and able to protect our great Christian population around the world.”
He also urged members of Congress to investigate the situation, specifically instructing “Congressman Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to report back to him.”
In response to the U.S. President’s claims, the Federal Government rejected the claims, with President Bola Tinubu “reaffirming that Nigeria upholds religious freedom and protects the rights of all faiths.”
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