Nigeria Protests Exclusion from UN Event on Alleged Christian Persecution Hosted by Nicki Minaj

Nigeria Protests Exclusion from UN Event on Alleged Christian Persecution Hosted by Nicki Minaj

Nigeria has raised concerns over its exclusion from a United Nations event hosted by U.S. rapper Nicki Minaj in New York, which focused on alleged persecution and killings of Christians in the country.

Speaking on Tuesday, Syndoph Endoni, Nigeria’s chargé d’affaires at the country’s Permanent Mission to the UN, described the decision to bar Nigerian officials from the discussion as akin to “shaving our head in our absence.”

The event, organized in collaboration with the U.S. Permanent Mission to the UN, aimed to highlight rising attacks on Christians in Nigeria. It followed President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged Christian genocide, claims which Nigerian authorities have repeatedly rejected.

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“It is important to ensure the country concerned in the ongoing allegations of genocide against Christians is present, aware, and has a voice in the matter,” Mr. Endoni said. “You should not make important decisions or take action on something that involves a country without their presence or consent.”

The Nigerian envoy expressed disappointment that only a few countries were invited to participate and questioned the rationale for excluding Nigeria. “We asked the U.S. authorities if it was okay to continue to shave someone’s hair in his absence,” he said, emphasizing that the Nigerian government is actively addressing security challenges and protecting citizens.

Mr. Endoni urged the United States to adopt inclusive engagement strategies to avoid escalating tensions over claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria.

The U.S. Senior Advisor for African Affairs, Patricia Mahoney, visited the Nigerian House in New York on Monday to inform Mr. Endoni about the event. She reportedly told the envoy that the event was private and that participants specifically requested that Nigerian officials not be present to avoid potential retribution against them or their families.

Despite the exclusion, Mr. Endoni stated that Nigeria would continue to engage with U.S. authorities to collaborate on security measures, protect lives, and safeguard property from extremist attacks.

Nigeria Protests Exclusion from UN Event on Alleged Christian Persecution Hosted by Nicki Minaj