Rapper Nicki Minaj called for international unity and action against the persecution of Christians in Nigeria during her address to the United Nations on March 5, 2024. Minaj expressed gratitude for the efforts made by President Donald Trump to protect Nigerian Christians who are facing severe violence and discrimination.
Minaj, speaking from the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York City, highlighted the importance of religious freedom. “I stand here as a proud New Yorker with a deep sense of gratitude that we live in a country where we can freely and safely worship God regardless of one’s creed, background, or politics,” she stated. She emphasized that no group should be persecuted for their religious beliefs, urging respect across different faiths.
The event, organized by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, coincided with escalating concerns about the safety of Christians in Nigeria. Just a day before Minaj’s speech, a group of 25 schoolgirls was reported abducted, underscoring the ongoing crisis. The identity of the kidnappers remains unconfirmed.
Since the rise of the extremist group Boko Haram in 2009, an estimated 50,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria, according to a report by Rep. Tim Moore, who was appointed by Trump to investigate the situation. The organization Open Doors has ranked Nigeria as the seventh most dangerous country for Christians globally.
“In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes, and killed,” Minaj remarked. “Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart, and entire communities live in fear constantly, simply because of how they pray. Sadly, this problem is not only a growing issue in Nigeria but also in many other countries worldwide, and it demands urgent action.”
Minaj’s support for Nigerian Christians first became public on November 1, 2023, when she tweeted her appreciation for Trump’s commitment to addressing the violence against them, stating, “Protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about taking sides or dividing people. It is about uniting humanity.”
The situation in Nigeria exemplifies a broader trend of religious persecution affecting various communities globally. Minaj’s plea highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and action to protect vulnerable populations.
As discussions continue at the United Nations, the call for greater awareness and intervention in Nigeria’s crisis remains critical.
