Rap star Nicki Minaj has garnered praise for using her platform to highlight the persecution of Christians in Nigeria ahead of her United Nations address. The issue has long been neglected, yet figures like human rights lawyer Knox Thames have recognized her efforts in bringing attention to the matter.
Thames, who has previously worked under multiple U.S. presidents, including Donald Trump, emphasized how the body count of victims in Nigeria is too high to ignore. He described the situation as something that must be addressed, though he did not confirm it constitutes a genocide. Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ due to widespread Christian persecution has also sparked conversations about the need for international action.
Minaj’s response to Trump’s designation was one of gratitude, as she expressed her appreciation for the attention given to the issue, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom and respect for all beliefs. As she prepares to speak at the UN, she is joined by Ambassador Waltz, who has publicly supported her efforts in spotlighting the atrocities against Christians in Nigeria.
Thames noted the critical role that celebrities like Minaj play in drawing global attention to issues such’t be overlooked due to their scale. The continued collaboration between U.S. diplomats and public figures may help push for more comprehensive measures to combat the persecution, which has been a source of concern across various sectors of society.