IN a surprising yet powerful collaboration, US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, and renowned rapper Nicki Minaj are joining forces to bring attention to the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The unlikely duo will be speaking at a high-profile event at the UN, shedding light on the atrocities committed against Christian communities in the West African nation.
The Event
The event, scheduled for Tuesday, aims to raise awareness about the plight of Christians in Nigeria, where radical Islamist groups have been wreaking havoc, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement. Ambassador Waltz expressed his gratitude to Minaj for leveraging her massive platform to spotlight the issue, describing her as “a principled individual who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice”.
Nicki Minaj’s Response
Minaj, known for her chart-topping hits, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the conversation, stating, “Ambassador, I am so grateful to be entrusted with an opportunity of this magnitude. I do not take it for granted. It means more than you know. The Barbz & I will never stand down in the face of injustice. We’ve been given our influence by God. There must be a bigger purpose”.
Background
The collaboration comes as President Donald Trump warned of possible military action against Nigeria if the government fails to rein in violent Islamist groups. Trump also announced that the US would redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to allegations of Christian genocide. Human rights groups claim that over 120,000 people have been killed since the start of the Boko Haram insurgency in 2009.
Nigerian Government’s Response
However, the Nigerian government has pushed back against these claims, describing them as false and asserting that insecurity in the country stems from criminal activities unrelated to faith. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration maintains that the country is not tolerant of any form of persecution.
Global Awareness
The event aims to raise awareness and encourage international action to protect Christian communities in Nigeria and beyond. With Minaj’s massive global following and Ambassador Waltz’s diplomatic influence, this collaboration is poised to bring significant attention to the issue.