Amanze Chinonye
American rapper Nicki Minaj on Tuesday delivered a rare political intervention at the United Nations, calling for urgent global action to address what she described as the escalating persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
According to Prime Business Africa, Minaj spoke at a U.S.-hosted panel on “Combatting Religious Violence and the Killing of Christians in Nigeria,” where she appeared alongside U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Michael Waltz, religious leaders, and human-rights advocates.
In her remarks, Minaj said Christians in several parts of Nigeria were being “targeted, driven from their homes, and killed,” adding that attacks on churches and faith communities should “shake the conscience of the United Nations.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelShe stressed that the issue transcends politics and identity, describing it instead as a fundamental human-rights and security concern.
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“When places of worship are destroyed and families are torn apart, everyone’s heart should break,” she said, urging member states to pursue coordinated action to protect at-risk communities. “Religious freedom means we all can sing our faith, regardless of who we are or where we live.”
Minaj also thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for prioritizing the issue, saying his administration had “elevated global attention” on religious violence in Nigeria. She, however, insisted her remarks were not partisan, noting that “protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about taking sides, it’s about uniting humanity.”
Ambassador Waltz used the event to describe attacks on Christians in Nigeria as “genocide wearing the mask of chaos,” calling for deeper international engagement.
The Nigerian government, for its part, has continued to push back against the framing of the crisis as purely religious, arguing that the violence stems from a broader mix of insecurity, extremism, criminality, and longstanding communal conflicts.
Human-rights organisations have long documented attacks by extremist groups such as Boko Haram, as well as deadly clashes and raids by armed militias in parts of northern and central Nigeria. Analysts note that while Christian communities have suffered heavily, the wider violence affects multiple ethnic and religious groups and remains driven by complex political, economic, and security factors.
Minaj’s UN appearance has drawn mixed reactions globally praised by some as a bold use of celebrity influence for a humanitarian cause, and criticised by others for its political undertones.
Despite the controversy, her comments have amplified international attention on Nigeria’s security challenges and renewed calls for stronger global intervention.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
