Washington’s Warnings, Nigeria’s Wars

By Madelyn Williams 

Due to the increased unrest in Nigeria, Christian groups have labeled attacks as religious persecution to the point of genocide. US politicians have condemned Nigeria for allowing the murder of Christians to continue. This has culminated to Trump issuing a fresh round of threats against Nigeria, calling upon the Department of War to prepare a military operation against jihadist groups so they can go in “guns-a-blazing.” The assumption that these jihadist groups are specifically targeting Christians, however, is incorrect. The Nigerian government has denied that this is a genocide, claiming there is a gross misrepresentation of the attacks. It has not, however, denied that Christians are among those being killed. The fatality estimation this year is difficult to determine but estimates place the number around 3,000. Furthermore, it is also not possible to say what religion all the victims practiced.

Nigeria’s population is split between the two religions although Muslims for the majority in the north. Islamic militant groups have been a persistent issue in Nigeria for decades. The main group is Boko Haram. Organizations monitoring the situation report that Boko Haram is killing Christians, but they are also killing Muslims with little discrimination between the two. Another militant group, the Fulani herders, who are mainly Muslim, have also been killing both Muslims and Christians over access to land and water. 

The Nigerian government claims it is doing its best to combat the jihadist groups. Some Nigerians even welcome US support to eliminate the threat. In light of Trump’s pressure, Nigeria’s army chief announced that they are stepping up military action against the militants. Officials claim they are determined to eliminate the threat once and for all, especially as the groups have increased attacks on military bases. These jihadist groups have threatened and displaced millions. Many Nigerian farmers are calling for protection, unwilling to go outside without defense. Millions have fled the northern regions and now face food insecurity in these conflict zones. This unrest will only further destabilize Nigeria, which has historically been one of the most promising and rapidly developing countries in Africa.