By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Russia says it is closely monitoring developments following reports that former United States President, Donald Trump, directed the Pentagon to prepare possible military action in Nigeria.
Trump, on November 1, announced that he had asked the Pentagon to draw up options for strikes against terrorist groups in Nigeria, citing the need to protect Christian communities in the country.
Reacting to the development on Friday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said Moscow was watching the situation with concern and urged Washington to act responsibly in line with international law.
“We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms,” Zakharova said during a briefing in Moscow, according to Anadolu Agency.
She noted that Russia considers the use of military force outside international consensus as a potential threat to global peace and stability.
Zakharova also commented on other global developments, including Kazakhstan’s decision to join the Abraham Accords, saying Moscow saw no need to make a detailed statement for now.
Her remarks came amid rising diplomatic tension over the alleged U.S. plan and growing concern in several countries about renewed American military interventions in Africa.
Meanwhile, Zakharova expressed worry over reports of Israeli violations of ceasefire agreements along the Lebanese border and reiterated Moscow’s commitment to promoting peace in the Middle East.
“We convey to all parties involved our firm stance on the need to avoid actions that may trigger an escalation of violence and another round of armed conflict,” she said.
Russia joins China, which earlier this week backed Nigeria’s sovereignty and warned against any unilateral military action by the U.S.