Speaking to journalists at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Youssouf said describing the violence in northern Nigeria as “Christian genocide” oversimplifies a complex security situation

By Titilope Adako

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Youssouf, has stated that Muslims were the initial victims of Boko Haram, emphasising that there is no proof of Christians being specifically targeted in northern Nigeria and that the situation does not amount to genocide.

Speaking to journalists at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Youssouf said describing the violence in northern Nigeria as “Christian genocide” oversimplifies a complex security situation.

“The first victims of Boko Haram are Muslims, not Christians. This is supported by documented evidence,” he said.

He urged caution in using simplistic terms, highlighting that the AU has consistently reported that no genocide has occurred in northern Nigeria.

“The situation in northern Nigeria is complicated and should not be taken lightly,” Youssouf added. “The African continent presents complex challenges… that is why the AU Commission remains clear on this. We want to stress once more that there is no genocide in northern Nigeria.”

Claims of genocide against Christians have gained traction, particularly among some US political figures.

In response, several US lawmakers called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to intervene diplomatically over alleged “systematic persecution and killings of Christians.”

Following their appeal, US President Donald Trump again designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern (CPC)” over the reported attacks, warning that the Nigerian government could lose US aid if the situation was not addressed.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly dismissed the claims.

Nonetheless, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) continues to report that Christian communities in various regions have faced recurring deadly attacks.

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