European leaders back Nigeria’s peace efforts, call for unity

By John Alechenu, Abuja

European leaders, including former Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger, Switzerland’s Marc Jost, and Austria’s Gudrun Kugler-Lang, have pledged support for Nigeria’s initiatives to tackle violence in the northern regions.

The leaders, meeting under the First Step Forum—an international platform promoting religious freedom and peaceful coexistence—gathered with Muslim and Christian religious leaders in Abuja over the weekend. The interfaith meeting, held under the Abuja Declaration for Sustainable Peace and Religious Harmony, produced a four-point communiqué focusing on curbing violence in the Middle Belt and northern states.

The communiqué called for an end to impunity, protection of civilians, and strengthened international support for stability efforts. Heger drew parallels with Slovakia’s journey to freedom, highlighting Nigeria’s potential and traditional values to mobilize youth for a brighter future.

“My country, Slovakia, of five and a half million went through several tough decades to become part of the free world, but Nigeria has great traditional and religious values that role models can leverage to mobilize the younger generation,” Heger said.

Hon. Teejay Yusuf, two-term President of the National Assembly’s Christian Legislators’ Forum, identified the erosion of traditional and religious values as a key contributor to Nigeria’s challenges, urging leaders to take proactive measures. Heger stressed that domestic and international collaboration can achieve meaningful progress.

The forum also emphasized the importance of early warning systems, mediation, and dialogue to de-escalate tensions, foster forgiveness, and promote restorative justice.

Notable attendees included the Emir of Bungudu, Zamfara State, and representatives from major Christian and Muslim organizations.

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