Overview
- The African Union Commission chair, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said at the U.N. that there is no genocide in northern Nigeria and that Muslims have been the primary victims of Boko Haram.
- President Donald Trump re-listed Nigeria as a country of particular concern, ordered the Pentagon to prepare possible rapid military options, and threatened to cut U.S. aid over attacks on Christians.
- Nigeria’s government rejected the genocide label, pledged to defend all citizens regardless of religion, and signaled a desire to maintain close ties with Washington.
- The U.N. said Nigeria faces an insurgency that kills Muslims, Christians and others, urging that any external assistance be coordinated with Abuja.
- Several Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Riley Moore, pressed for tougher measures, discussing sanctions and even potential kinetic action.