Nigeria Rejects Negotiation with Terrorists at AU Summit

The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly ruled out the possibility of negotiating with terrorists, as stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. This declaration was made during her discussions with journalists at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Luanda, Angola.

Ojukwu articulated that military defeat is the most effective approach to combat terrorism in Nigeria. The summit aimed to enhance efforts in preventing conflicts, addressing terrorism and violent extremism, and promoting peace across the African continent.

Ojukwu conveyed Nigeria's stance on terrorism and regional security to other African nations, asserting that terrorists do not respond to negotiation or mediation. She emphasized that the only effective response to terrorism is a decisive security response, stating, “The only language terrorists understand is the language of defeat.” The minister affirmed that Nigeria's fight against terrorism would be pursued with determination and without leniency, representing President Bola Tinubu's firm position on the matter, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima attending the meeting.