“Because I’m Ill or Face Difficulties Doesn’t Mean I Should Accept Aid From an Unstable Leader” — Wole Soyinka Reacts to Trump’s Remarks on Nigeria

“Being unwell or facing challenges doesn’t mean I should welcome assistance from a deranged individual,” Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka said as he criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his recent comments on alleged Christian g+nocide in Nigeria.

Soyinka faulted Trump for making sweeping, inflammatory statements without understanding the roots of Nigeria’s security crisis. “You don’t simply declare you’re coming to ‘help’ someone through vi%lence when you’ve not even examined how the conflict evolved,” he stressed.

Speaking further in the interview, Soyinka reiterated that Nigeria’s situation is complex and cannot be reduced to a single religious narrative. He noted that during his conversations with various local communities, he observed that both Christians and Muslims have suffered casualties, and any foreign intervention must be based on evidence, nuance, and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.

He also warned that careless rhetoric from powerful global leaders could worsen tensions on the ground, saying Nigeria needs “critical thinking, not grandstanding” from its international partners.