The African Union (AU) has firmly denied allegations by former U.S. President Donald Trump that a genocide is taking place in northern Nigeria, calling his remarks misleading and dangerous. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said on Wednesday that while Nigeria faces serious security challenges, the situation does not constitute genocide.
Speaking at a press briefing at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Youssouf dismissed Trump’s claims that “very large numbers” of Christians were being massacred in Africa’s most populous country. He emphasized that the violence in northern Nigeria is rooted in long-standing extremist insurgency and communal tensions, not in systematic religious persecution.
“What’s going on in northern Nigeria has nothing to do with the kind of atrocities we see in Sudan or in eastern DRC,” Youssouf said. “The first victims of Boko Haram are Muslims, not Christians. Think twice before making such statements.”
Youssouf’s comments came in response to Trump’s warning earlier this month that the U.S. military could take “fast action” against what he called the killing of Christians in Nigeria. Trump also threatened to halt all U.S. aid and potentially “go in guns blazing” to eliminate what he described as “Islamic terrorists.” He did not provide evidence to support his claims, which have sparked diplomatic tension between Washington and Abuja.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry responded by reaffirming the country’s commitment to combating violent extremism while protecting all citizens regardless of religion. In a statement, the ministry said, “Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion, and we hope the United States remains a constructive partner in this effort.”
Security analysts and human rights observers have long documented that Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have waged a brutal insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast since 2009. The conflict has killed over 35,000 people and displaced more than 2 million, with the majority of victims being Muslim civilians in areas under insurgent control.
The African Union has consistently supported Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations and regional efforts under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which includes troops from Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. Youssouf reiterated the AU’s commitment to helping Nigeria address both the humanitarian and security dimensions of the crisis without foreign military intervention.
Nigeria, home to more than 200 million people and over 200 ethnic groups, has a history of religious coexistence but also periodic violence linked to resource competition, ethnic rivalries, and extremist activity. Experts warn that external military involvement could inflame tensions and destabilize the fragile security balance in the Sahel region.
Youssouf urged all international actors to “avoid rhetoric that could inflame divisions” and to support African-led peace and security initiatives instead.
Source:Africa Publicity
