International

Senior Adviser to former US President Donald Trump on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, has dismissed allegations of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, describing them as misleading and unfounded. Boulos made the remarks in Abuja on Friday during a visit to President Bola Tinubu at the State House. His comments come amid growing calls from some US lawmakers urging the White House to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians. Addressing journalists after the meeting, Boulos said terrorism in Nigeria affects all groups regardless of religion or ethnicity. Read Also: A Quiet War on Our Soil: How Aid, Chemicals, and Banditry Are Strangling Northern Nigeria’s Ginger Heartland “Those who know the terrain well know that terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe,” he said. “People of all religions and tribes are dying as a result of terrorist acts. It is very unfortunate.” He added that extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS have killed more Muslims than Christians, stressing that victims of terrorism come from diverse backgrounds. “This is not specifically targeted at one group or the other. However, any loss of life is one too many, and we should work together in partnership to put an end to this,” Boulos said. The US envoy acknowledged that Nigeria’s Middle Belt region has experienced deadly clashes between farmers and herders, with many victims being Christians, but noted that it would be inaccurate to describe the situation as religious genocide. “While the clashes are regrettable, they are not acts targeted at any specific religious group,” he stated. Boulos commended Nigeria’s diverse composition, describing the country as a “melting pot” of ethnic and religious identities with an almost even split between Muslims and Christians. “This has never been a serious religious issue and should not be,” he added. He also lauded recent efforts by the Tinubu administration to address insecurity, saying the United States welcomed the steps taken so far and would continue to collaborate with Nigeria in promoting peace and stability.

There was a symbolic change of guard at the ECOWAS Secretariat on Sunday, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally handed over the chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone. The handover ceremony marked the highpoint of the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Abuja. In his farewell remarks, President Tinubu expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve the regional bloc. He described his tenure as a profound honour and privilege, adding that he was humbled by the trust and support extended to him during his leadership. Read Also: Nigeria Pushes Blue Economy Agenda with Seabed Mapping, Hydrography Initiatives “As I now hand over the mantle of leadership to my great friend and dear brother, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa,” Tinubu said. He reaffirmed his belief in the continued cooperation of member states and expressed confidence that ECOWAS would achieve greater heights in its mission to ensure peace, security, and prosperity across the region. President Maada Bio’s assumption of the ECOWAS chairmanship comes at a critical time for the regional bloc, as it continues to navigate pressing political and security challenges while pursuing economic integration and development.  

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his capacity as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is currently hosting regional leaders at the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. The high-level summit is taking place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Nigeria. The session, held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, also featured the inaugural West African Economic Summit (WAES), which brought together nine of the 12 sitting ECOWAS Presidents. Attending leaders include President John Mahama (Ghana), President Joseph Boakai (Liberia), President Julius Maada Bio (Sierra Leone), President Bassirou Diomaye Faye (Senegal), President Adama Barrow (The Gambia), President Patrice Talon (Benin), President Jean Lucien de Tové (Togo), and President Umaro Sissoco Embaló (Guinea-Bissau). The summit is taking place at a time of significant political and economic shifts in the region, particularly with the formal exit of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali from ECOWAS. The three countries, which experienced military coups in recent years, announced their withdrawal earlier this year and have since formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Read Also: Tinubu, Governors Join Ganduje to Receive Governor Eno into APC Despite their exit, ECOWAS leaders, under President Tinubu’s leadership, remain hopeful of reintegration. The bloc has emphasized its readiness for continued dialogue and reconciliation. The official withdrawal date for the AES countries is set for July 29, 2025, marking the end of a six-month transition period granted by ECOWAS. Liberian President Joseph Boakai, speaking during the inaugural WAES, urged regional leaders to keep diplomatic channels open with the AES bloc. “The door to ECOWAS must remain open,” he said, calling for inclusive cooperation and reconciliation. President Tinubu, who is currently serving his second term as ECOWAS Chairman, was first elected in July 2023 in Guinea-Bissau and re-elected in July 2024 in Abuja. His re-election was based on a consensus by member states to ensure leadership continuity in driving peace, security, and regional integration efforts. This year’s session is particularly symbolic as ECOWAS marked its 50th anniversary in May 2025, with commemorative events held in Lagos, Nigeria. The regional body now consists of 12 active member states, representing over 400 million people and a combined GDP of more than $800 billion. The election of a new chairperson is also on the agenda at the 67th Ordinary Session, alongside discussions on strategies to reinvigorate economic cooperation and maintain regional stability.