Wole Soyinka Criticizes Trump’s Threat of Military Action in Nigeria

Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has sharply criticized US President Donald Trump for threatening military intervention in Nigeria.

Speaking on Friday in Makurdi after a meeting with Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, Soyinka described Trump’s remarks as a reflection of a “pre-set mindset” that fails to appreciate Nigeria’s complex security challenges.

“You don’t just open your mouth and say, ‘I’m coming to help you whether you like it or not.’ With poor, almost non-existent analysis, you say you are coming with ‘guns blazing.’ At least respect those finding solutions to this unacceptable situation,” Soyinka said.

The literary icon, now in his nineties, emphasized that governments have a duty to protect their citizens and that victims of violence deserve respect.

The remarks come after Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” on October 31, citing alleged killings of Christians, and warned that he had asked the US Defense Department to prepare for possible military action should the Nigerian government “continue to allow the killing of Christians.”