9 months ago
AU Chief Denies Genocide in Nigeria, Citing Boko Haram Victims
A leader from the African Union said that what's happening in Nigeria is not a genocide.
He was responding to the President of the United States, who had said that many Christians were being killed and threatened to send soldiers and stop sending help.
The African Union leader explained that the bad guys, called Boko Haram, have been hurting people for a long time.
He also pointed out that most of the people hurt by Boko Haram are actually Muslims, not Christians.
He said that the problems in Nigeria are different from other serious issues in places like Sudan.
Nigeria is a country with many different kinds of people and religions who usually live together peacefully, though there have been some fights.
African Union Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf stated there is no genocide in northern Nigeria.
Youssouf rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's accusation that large numbers of Christians are being killed in Nigeria.
Trump had threatened military action and withholding aid if Nigeria did not crack down on alleged Christian killings.
The AU chairperson noted that most victims of the extremist group Boko Haram are Muslims.
Nigeria's Foreign Ministry affirmed its commitment to fighting extremism and protecting all citizens regardless of religion.
- Who
- African Union Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and U.S. President Donald Trump
- What
- AU chief rejected Trump's accusation of genocide in Nigeria and denial of large-scale Christian killings, stating most Boko Haram victims are Muslims.
- Where
- United Nations in New York
- When
- Wednesday
- Why
- In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria and threats of military action and aid withdrawal.
Key facts
- AU Commission Chairperson
- Mahmoud Ali Youssouf
- US President
- Donald Trump
- Insurgent Group
- Boko Haram
- Location of Insurgency
- Northeast Nigeria
- Duration of Insurgency
- 15 years
Quotes
U.S. President Donald Trump
U.S. President who made accusations about killings in Nigeria.
“very large numbers”
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“fast”
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African Union Commission chairperson
The person who stated there is no genocide in northern Nigeria.
“Think twice before… making such statements. The first victims of Boko Haram are Muslims, not Christians.”
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Mahmoud Ali Youssouf
African Union Commission chairperson speaking to reporters at the United Nations in New York.
“What’s going on in northern part of Nigeria has nothing to do with the kind of atrocities we see in Sudan or in some part of eastern DRC”
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Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry
The entity that responded to U.S. President Trump's accusations.
“will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion.”
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