The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, has firmly rejected claims of genocide in northern Nigeria, following controversial remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump alleged mass killings of Christians by jihadist groups in the region.
Speaking at a press conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Youssouf clarified the African Union’s position, stating that “there is no genocide in northern Nigeria.” He emphasized that while extremist violence persists, particularly from groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the situation does not meet the threshold of genocide as seen in other conflict zones such as Sudan or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“The complexity of the situation in northern Nigeria should push us to think twice before making such statements,” Youssouf said. “The first victims of Boko Haram are Muslims, not Christians. This is not a one-sided religious conflict, but a multifaceted security crisis affecting all communities.”
The AU chief’s remarks come in response to President Trump’s recent threat of military intervention in Nigeria, citing what he described as an “existential threat” to Christianity. Trump claimed that Christians were being killed “in very large numbers” and warned that the U.S. would respond “fast, vicious, and sweet” if the Nigerian government failed to act.
Youssouf urged international leaders and media outlets to avoid sensationalism and instead support constructive engagement with Nigerian authorities to address the root causes of insecurity. He reiterated the African Union’s commitment to peacebuilding, regional cooperation, and counterterrorism efforts across West Africa.
The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response to the AU statement, but sources within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the clarification, noting that mischaracterizations of the crisis could undermine diplomatic relations and inflame tensions.