He was an unexpected ally. Rap superstar Nicki Minaj joined Donald Trump’s campaign on Tuesday by claiming that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria, a thesis challenged by authorities in the country.
“In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes and killed. Churches are being burned, families are being torn apart, and entire communities are living in constant fear, just because of the way they pray,” believes the rapper from Trinidad and Tobago, who has lived in New York since childhood.
This issue recently caught the attention of Donald Trump, who accused his country of “tolerating the murder of Christians” carried out by “Islamic terrorists”, in line with a thesis defended by American conservatives.
The accusations are denied by Nigerian authorities, observers and researchers, who assure that the continent’s most populous country is the scene of numerous conflicts that have killed Christians and Muslims, often indiscriminately.
“I want to be clear: protecting Christians in Nigeria has nothing to do with taking sides or dividing society. It’s about uniting humanity,” said the star, careful in his remarks.
Raw and provocative
An outspoken feminist, often rude and provocative in her texts and clothing, Nicki Minaj has, in the past, mentioned her Christian faith but without specifically pointing it out. On Tuesday, he was accompanied by his pastor.
“This is not random violence. This is genocide disguised as chaos,” the American ambassador said.
“While Nigerian officials maintain that terrorism attacks all religions indiscriminately – and this is true – there is a body of evidence (…) that paints a very grim picture of disproportionate suffering among Christians,” he said.
Speaking to Nicki Minaj, Mike Waltz also said: “When I was appointed ambassador, doing this event with you was not something I would have possibly done… But that’s what God does: he gathers people to protect his flock and carry forward his promises.”
