Muslim And Christian Leaders In Nigeria Condemn Donald Trump's Aggression Threat

JAKARTA - Muslim and Christian leaders in Nigeria have condemned the threat of military action by United States President Donald Trump against their country, calling it a "provocative and destructive" statement of national unity.

According to the Algerian daily El Khabar, the religious leaders in Sunday issued a joint statement warning that Trump's rhetoric could trigger internal tensions as well as strengthen extremist groups in the country with the most populous population in Africa.

Nigeria, whose population is almost equally divided between predominantly Muslim and southern Muslim regions, has long faced social conflicts that have claimed lives in each religious group.

Analysts think that provocative statements from foreign parties have the potential to deepen this split.

Claims about the alleged "genocide on Christians" in Nigeria recently circulated on social media, are increasingly attracting the attention of right-wing movements in the United States and Europe.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu denied the allegations, asserting that freedom and religious tolerance are an important principle in his country's collective identity and will always be upheld.

El Khabarmen noted that in recent years a number of separatist groups in the southeastern region of Nigeria have been trying to capitalize on narratives about persecution of Christians to justify their political agenda.

Leaders of the two religions urged foreign politicians not to issue statements that could destabilize the country or undermine efforts being made to strengthen unity and peace.