Boko Haram and ISIS have intensified their attacks on Muslim communities, while farmers in Nigeria’s Middle Belt continue to endure relentless violence.
Massad Boulos, the United States’ chief diplomat to Africa appointed during the Trump era, reaffirmed America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against extremist factions like Boko Haram, which persistently destabilize the nation and cause widespread suffering.
After engaging with President Bola Tinubu at the Aqaba summit held in Rome, Italy, Boulos emphasized that Boko Haram’s violent acts disproportionately affect Nigeria’s Muslim population.
He challenged assertions made by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and others, who have accused Nigeria of perpetrating religious genocide against Christians. Senator Cruz is reportedly championing the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act, 2025,” a bill aimed at labeling Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and enforcing sanctions on individuals allegedly involved in religious oppression.
Boulos described this portrayal as misleading and regrettable. “Every life lost is a profound tragedy,” he stated, “but those familiar with the situation understand that terrorism in Nigeria transcends religious, ethnic, and tribal boundaries.”
He highlighted that victims come from diverse faiths and ethnic groups, noting, “Militant organizations such as Boko Haram and ISIS have caused more casualties among Muslim communities than Christian ones. The destruction is extensive and not confined to any single group.”
“Our focus must be on uniting to confront these threats,” Boulos urged.
Addressing the ongoing violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, the envoy acknowledged that farmers-many of whom are Christians-have been frequent targets of armed herders. “While these assaults have largely impacted farmers in the area, it is inaccurate to depict them as attacks on a specific religious community,” he clarified.
Boulos called for collaborative efforts among local populations to halt the persistent violence against farmers and praised the Nigerian government’s recent initiatives under President Tinubu’s leadership. “We have observed an increase in security deployments to these troubled regions and are encouraged by the progress made in recent weeks,” he added.
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Highlighting Nigeria’s rich history of religious and ethnic coexistence, Boulos pointed out that the country’s population is nearly evenly divided between Christians and Muslims. “Nigeria has long been a mosaic of diverse communities living in harmony, and it should not be defined by sectarian conflict,” he remarked.
“We commend President Tinubu’s stewardship and remain committed to working alongside Nigeria to address these multifaceted challenges effectively,” Boulos concluded.