Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, African Union Commission Chairman, has clarified that Muslims are the primary victims of Boko Haram in Nigeria, dismissing claims of a Christian genocide in the country.

Speaking from the United Nations headquarters, Youssouf responded to allegations of genocide in Nigeria, emphasizing:

“Let me say this first, there is no genocide in northern Nigeria.
We have issued a communication making clear that what is going on in the northern part of Nigeria has nothing to do with the kind of atrocities we see in Sudan or in some parts of eastern DRC.
The first victims of Boko Haram are Muslims, not Christians, and I am saying this with documented references.”

Youssouf’s statement comes amid threats from US President Donald Trump, who recently designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians. Trump also claimed to have directed the Department of Defense to prepare for possible military action if the Nigerian government “continues to allow the killing of Christians.”