Russia is closely observing reports that the United States might be planning military action in Nigeria, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova calling on Washington to act according to international law.
“We are monitoring the situation carefully and urge all parties involved to strictly adhere to international legal standards,” Zakharova said on Friday during her weekly press briefing in Moscow, addressing questions about developments in Nigeria.
Her remarks came after US President Donald Trump stated on November 1 that he had instructed the Pentagon to prepare possible military plans to “protect Christian communities” in the country.
While no official confirmation of such plans has been released by Washington, Trump’s statement has drawn attention from foreign capitals, with Moscow emphasising the need for any action to respect sovereignty and international law.
Nigeria has already rejected US claims about the prosecution of Christians in the country.
Nigeria’s top diplomat this week also warned against efforts to destabilise his country
“What we are trying to make the world understand is that we should not create another Sudan,” Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar said on Tuesday.
“We’ve seen what has happened with Sudan, with agitations for the partitioning of Sudan based on religion, based on tribal sentiments,” he said.
