Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has condemned US President Donald Trump for threatening military intervention in Nigeria, describing the remarks as reckless and rooted in a shallow understanding of the country’s security complexities.
Soyinka spoke on Friday in Makurdi after a meeting with Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia. He said the US president’s comments reflect a “pre-set mindset” that ignores the layered and long-standing challenges Nigeria faces.
“You don’t just open your mouth and say, ‘I’m coming to help you whether you like it or not,’” he said. “With poor, almost non-existent analysis, you say you are coming with guns blazing. At least respect those finding solutions to this unacceptable situation.”
The playwright emphasized that governments have a duty to protect their citizens, insisting victims of violence deserve empathy rather than politicized grandstanding.
Trump had on October 31 designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing alleged killings of Christians. He later claimed he had directed the US Department of Defense to prepare for possible military action if the Nigerian government “continues to allow the killing of Christians.”
Soyinka stressed that such statements disregard ongoing efforts within Nigeria to tackle insecurity and risk inflaming an already fragile situation.
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