VIENNA — Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn, chairman of the Austrian Committee for NATO Enlargement, has drawn criticism after suggesting that Nigeria should cease to exist as a nation, comparing it to the breakup of Yugoslavia.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on November 6, Fehlinger-Jahn wrote, “Soon Nigeria will be history same as Yugoslavia. We must learn to accept the facts. Ex-Yugoslavia is gone and nobody misses this failed state. Now it is time for Ex-Nigeria and nobody will miss this failed state.”
Fehlinger-Jahn, who describes himself as a non-governmental and nonprofit advocate based in Vienna and an active campaigner for NATO enlargement in Europe, has previously expressed controversial opinions on international affairs. His latest comments, however, have sparked widespread condemnation online, with many accusing him of disrespecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and promoting division.
Neither Fehlinger-Jahn nor the Austrian Committee for NATO Enlargement has issued an official response to the backlash.
Fehlinger-Jahn’s organization advocates for the expansion of NATO membership to countries including Ukraine, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and others within the European region.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
