Nicki Minaj Addresses Christian Persecution at the United Nations

On Tuesday, Nicki Minaj addressed the United Nations regarding the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The Trinidadian rapper, based in the U.S., spoke at the U.S. Mission to the UN in New York, alongside her pastor, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Walz, survivors of religious violence, and various experts.

“Christians in Nigeria are being targeted, kicked out of their homes, and killed,” Minaj emphasized. “Churches are burned, families are torn apart, and entire neighborhoods live in fear simply because of their beliefs.”

Minaj stressed that this issue transcends national boundaries, suggesting that it’s not merely about picking sides but rather about “uniting humanity.” She expressed her hope that their message would resonate deeply within the UN and drive action toward its fundamental mission of promoting peace and security.

The discussion was moderated by Fox News host Harris Faulkner and featured Sean Nelson, senior advisor at ADF International; Sarah Makin, Senior Advisor to the President on International Religious Freedom; and Pastor Gabriel Makan from Nigeria.

Faulkner pointed out the alarming age of many victims targeted by 22 Islamic extremist groups and criticized Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu for his insufficient response to the crisis, noting that “the risks are too high.”

Nelson highlighted ADF International’s involvement in a Supreme Court case contesting blasphemy laws, which could lead to the death penalty for individuals accused of such acts, including a young man facing dire consequences for sharing specific lyrics in a text message. He mentioned a troubling rise in deaths across northern Nigeria and recalled praying in a church that had been destroyed with families of victims and refugees.

“We need help,” Makan stated, connecting terrorist groups to larger organizations such as ISIS. He labeled Tinubu’s lack of action as “unfortunate” and called for international intervention.

Makan pointed out that President Trump’s hardline approach to this issue should guide the U.S. to impose sanctions on Nigeria and utilize the tools available under the Country of Particular Concern designation.

Minaj’s engagement followed President Trump designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern earlier this month. She expressed gratitude for the privilege of living in a place with religious freedom and remarked on the global extent of the persecution. “It’s dangerous to pretend we don’t notice,” she wrote, thanking the president and his team for taking the issue seriously and urging prayers for persecuted Christians.

Ambassador Walz acknowledged their efforts to raise awareness and invited them to the UN to learn more about governmental endeavors to protect Christian freedoms worldwide.

Minaj expressed her sense of purpose in using her platform, suggesting there must be a “greater purpose” behind it all. “I don’t take this opportunity for granted,” she remarked.

Walz addressed the grim realities in Nigeria, discussing horrifying incidents like the recent kidnapping of schoolgirls, the execution of a pastor, and attacks on worshippers. He pointed out that 12 states in Nigeria enforce Sharia law and cited data from Open Doors, which asserts that a significant portion of violence against Christians occurs there. This year alone, over 3,100 Christians have been killed in Nigeria, contributing to a larger global total.

Islamic extremist groups, such as Boko Haram, have devastated northern Nigeria, resulting in violence against men and sexual abuse of women. Samuel Mallia, a Nigerian Catholic priest, expressed a desperate wish for U.S. intervention while asserting that the Nigerian government downplays the severity of the situation amidst rampant kidnappings. “Terrorists are everywhere, and it’s just scary to live here,” he noted.