The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has publicly praised United States President Donald Trump for authorising military air strikes in Nigeria, describing the action as a decisive stand against what it says is the ongoing killing of Christians in the country.
In a statement issued on 27 December 2025, the party — led by Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture in South Africa’s Government of National Unity — said Trump had demonstrated courage and leadership at a time when many world leaders had failed to act.
“It cannot be acceptable — morally, politically, or in terms of basic human rights — that the killing of Christians has become normalised or dismissed,” the party said.
“Every human life matters. The right to worship freely, without fear of violence or death, is fundamental and non-negotiable.”
‘A Message Against Violent Extremism’
The Patriotic Alliance said attacks attributed to Islamist extremist groups had resulted in the destruction of churches, the displacement of communities and the continued killing of civilians, with little accountability for those responsible.
“Defending Christians against organised, violent persecution is not extremism,” the party said. “It is a defence of basic human dignity.”
The statement framed Trump’s decision to authorise air strikes as an example of leadership through action, adding that difficult circumstances often require decisive measures.
“Leadership requires difficult decisions, and courage requires action,” the party said.
Concerns Over Civilian Harm and Sovereignty
US military action in Nigeria has, however, drawn criticism from analysts, civil society organisations and human rights groups, who warn that insecurity in the country affects communities across religious lines.
Critics argue that extremist violence in Nigeria has killed both Christians and Muslims, and that foreign military intervention risks escalating violence and increasing civilian casualties in already volatile regions.
The Patriotic Alliance acknowledged that Muslim civilians who reject extremist ideology have also been victims of terrorist violence. However, it maintained that failure to act decisively against sustained attacks amounted to a moral failure.
South African Political Reaction Divided
The issue has sparked sharp political reactions in South Africa. On Friday, IOL reported that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemned the US air strikes, warning that they represent a dangerous escalation of foreign military involvement on the African continent.
The EFF described the operation as a threat to national sovereignty and accused Washington of engaging in imperial overreach under the banner of counter-terrorism.
Trump Celebrates ‘Powerful and Deadly’ Strikes
The air strikes, carried out on December 25 and publicly announced by Trump, were described by the US president as “powerful and deadly” operations against what he labelled Islamic State (ISIL) targets in north-western Nigeria.
According to reports, the strikes hit areas in Sokoto State. Washington has framed the operation as part of its global counter-terrorism efforts, a justification rejected by several African and international critics.
As debate continues, the air strikes have once again highlighted deep divisions over foreign military intervention in Africa, the balance between security and sovereignty, and how best to address extremist violence without further endangering civilian lives.
