Boko Haram

It is important to view Nigeria’s Middle Belt conflict in the context of Islamic extremism across the Sahel.

As COVID-19 spreads globally, religious minorities are now more exposed and vulnerable.

The violence against Nigerian Christians has recently entered a new, deadlier phase. Unless conditions on the ground change, Nigeria’s Middle Belt Christians face death or expulsion in many areas.

At this moment, another genocide against Christians is silently unfolding in Nigeria.

When the Nigerian government initiated the release of abducted schoolgirls from the terrorist group Boko Haram last February, one of the girls, the only Christian, was left behind because she refused to convert to Islam.

To date, approximately 20,000 people have been killed and at least two million displaced because of the terrorist group.

Christian persecution is as real today as it’s ever been. Our brothers and sisters suffering it need protection and rescue. They also need prayer. The International Day of Prayer is meant to give that to them.

The American forces who died fighting ISIS fighters in Niger deserve our gratitude, their families our compassion and help, and their mission in the African theater of operations our support. 

Sub-Saharan Africa in the 21st century faces one great opportunity and two great dangers. And American foreign policy will profoundly affect each.