The African Union (AU) has firmly rejected former US President Donald Trump’s recent claim that “very large numbers of Christians” are being killed in Nigeria. Speaking on Wednesday at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf stated that there is no evidence of genocide in northern Nigeria.
“What’s happening in northern Nigeria cannot be compared to the kinds of atrocities witnessed in Sudan or parts of eastern Congo,” Youssouf told reporters.
He cautioned global leaders to avoid making hasty or politically charged statements about African nations.
“Think twice before making such statements,” he warned, emphasizing that “the first victims of Boko Haram are Muslims, not Christians.”
Boko Haram’s Deadly Insurgency
The extremist group Boko Haram has waged a brutal insurgency across northeastern Nigeria for over 15 years, leading to the deaths of tens of thousands and displacing millions. Despite the group’s initial targeting of government forces, human rights organizations report that the majority of its victims have been Muslim civilians, not Christians.
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The AU reiterated that while Boko Haram’s actions constitute terrorism and human rights abuses, labeling the violence as “genocide against Christians” misrepresents the complex reality on the ground.
Trump’s Controversial Remarks
Earlier this month, Donald Trump claimed that Nigeria had failed to protect Christians from what he described as “mass killings.” He further stated that he had asked the US Department of Defense to prepare for potential “fast military action” should the Nigerian government fail to act.
Trump, however, did not provide any verifiable evidence to support his claims. In his remarks, he threatened to “stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the terrorists.”
Nigeria Responds to Trump’s Comments
In a statement released by Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry, the government reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism and protecting citizens of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
“Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion,” the statement said, adding that the country values its partnership with the United States and remains dedicated to fighting violent extremism.
Nigeria, home to more than 200 ethnic groups and a nearly even split between Christians and Muslims, has a long tradition of interfaith coexistence. However, periodic violence has erupted in some regions due to ethnic tensions, resource competition, and religious misunderstandings.
A Call for Caution and Unity
The African Union urged international leaders to approach Africa’s internal challenges with understanding, cooperation, and factual accuracy. Mischaracterizing complex conflicts, the AU warned, risks deepening divisions and undermining regional peace efforts.
“The real enemy in northern Nigeria is violent extremism,” Youssouf concluded. “Both Christians and Muslims have suffered, and unity—not division—is what the country needs most right now.”
Conclusion
While Boko Haram’s insurgency continues to devastate communities in northeastern Nigeria, the African Union maintains that labeling the situation as a genocide against Christians is inaccurate. The AU’s firm response highlights the importance of balanced reporting and responsible global diplomacy when addressing sensitive security issues in Africa.
