Chairman of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South), has called on world leaders to recommit to the principles of national sovereignty as enshrined in the 1648 Peace of Westphalia, warning that global peace is at risk if these foundational values are ignored.
Speaking at the United Nations 6th World Speakers’ Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, Senator Ibrahim emphasized that adherence to the Westphalian doctrine, particularly the principles of non-interference and the sanctity of national borders, remains critical to maintaining international peace and stability.
“These core principles must not be substituted with power politics, national interests, or unilateral authority,” he said. “Respect for sovereignty is essential for fostering peaceful co-existence among nations and ensuring global security.”
He reminded delegates that no nation possesses absolute sovereignty, stressing the importance of restraint in international relations. “Non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign nations and the prohibition of force are not just ideas, they are the essence of the 1648 Peace of Westphalia and have been integrated into the United Nations framework as the rulebook for international engagement,” Ibrahim stated.
He warned that any action in violation of these principles could lead to disunity and the emergence of parallel powers capable of undermining global peace and security.
Highlighting developments on the African continent, the Senator commended Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy approach, which he described as rooted in liberalism and respect for the sovereignty of all nations, regardless of size or influence.
“Every nation must respect sovereignty as long as it meets the basic criteria established by the Peace of Westphalia, a defined population, recognized territorial boundaries, and a functioning government,” he said.
Ibrahim also urged countries to focus on reinforcing their internal systems, such as implementing effective border controls to manage entry and prevent health crises like COVID-19, rather than projecting dominance abroad.
“It is unfortunate that, in the face of hunger and human rights abuses, we are reversing the gains of globalization. While nations may focus inward to protect their interests, unity in foreign policy is still essential to maintaining global peace, especially at a time when international institutions are becoming increasingly symbolic,” he added.
Concluding his address, Senator Ibrahim called on parliamentary leaders to return to their respective countries and pass legislation reinforcing respect for national sovereignty as a sign of commitment to international peace.
He noted that the Nigerian Senate, and by extension the African Parliament, fully supports his position on the matter.