Muslims First Victims of Boko Haram, No Christian Genocide – Youssouf

African Union Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has asserted that Muslims, rather than Christians, are the primary victims of Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Speaking to reporters at the United Nations headquarters, Youssouf addressed recent allegations of genocide in Nigeria. Responding to a question about U.S. President Donald Trump’s warnings to Nigeria over the treatment of Christians, he said:

“Let me be clear: there is no genocide in northern Nigeria. We have issued statements emphasizing that the situation in northern Nigeria is not comparable to the atrocities witnessed in Sudan or parts of eastern DRC. The first victims of Boko Haram are Muslims, not Christians, and this is supported by documented evidence.”

Earlier, President Trump had labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” due to alleged attacks on Christians. He also indicated that he had instructed the U.S. Department of Defense to prepare for potential military action if the Nigerian government continued to permit violence against Christians.