Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has sharply criticised United States President Donald Trump over his recent comments alleging widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria, describing the remarks as reckless, overly simplistic, and uninformed about the country’s complex security landscape.
Soyinka faulted both the substance and tone of Trump’s statements, insisting that no responsible global leader should address a sovereign nation in such an aggressive and condescending manner.
“You don’t just open your mouth and say, ‘I’m coming to help you whether you like it or not, and I’m coming with violence,’ with poor analysis of the complexities of what the problem is. Is that the language of someone whose head is correct?” Soyinka asked, expressing strong disapproval of the U.S. president’s rhetoric.
He noted that Trump, in asserting his intention to support Nigeria, simultaneously threatened to intervene “guns ablazing,” and to act “fast, vicious, and swift” — an attitude Soyinka said reflected a troubling disregard for diplomacy, nuance, and respect.
According to Soyinka, while every government bears the fundamental responsibility of protecting its citizens, international cooperation must be grounded in mutual respect and thoughtful engagement, not intimidation.
“You say you are coming to help, and you are coming with that tone. There should be respect,” he emphasized.
The exchange comes amid heightened global scrutiny over attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria, with human rights groups and religious organisations urging the government to intensify efforts to curb the violence.
Soyinka’s criticism carries particular weight given his long-standing advocacy on national security issues. Years ago, he actively participated in the Bring Back Our Girls movement and has consistently warned about Nigeria’s deteriorating security environment. His latest remarks signal concern not only about the violence itself but also about the consequences of foreign leaders attempting to intervene in Nigeria’s affairs with inflammatory, heavy-handed language.