Numerous American right-wing figureheads have claimed that a genocide is being committed against Christians in Nigeria, but this could not be further from the truth.
The claim has gained significant momentum, particularly in the United States, where political figures such as President Donald Trump and Republican senator Ted Cruz have used it to justify foreign policy pressure. Trump recently claimed Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria and accused “Islamic terrorists” of committing “mass slaughter.”
He threatened to cut off U.S. aid and ordered the “Department of War” to prepare for possible action, stating: “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet.” Cruz introduced a bill to sanction Nigerian officials, alleging they enable “Islamist violence”.
Commentators such as Bill Maher have amplified these claims, repeating unfounded assertions that Christians are being systematically exterminated. “This is so much more of a genocide attempt than what is going on in Gaza. They are literally attempting to wipe out the Christian population of an entire country,” Maher said.
Such views have been amplified by right-wing commentators and Elon Musk on X to justify calls for sanctions and official U.S. designations of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC). A CPC designation is a foreign policy tool used by the U.S. State Department to identify nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom. It can trigger diplomatic penalties, including...
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