Trump’s Adviser Dismisses Allegations of Christian Genocide in Nigeria
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.
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“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.
