Germany’s Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Thomas Rachel, has stated that the ongoing killings and insecurity in Nigeria are being driven by terrorists, not religion.
Speaking during an interview after meetings with religious leaders, government officials, and victims of violence in Nigeria, Rachel said both Christians and Muslims are victims of terrorist attacks across the country.
According to the German official, extremist groups remain the common enemy of Nigerians regardless of religious background, stressing that the crisis should not be wrongly interpreted as a religious war.
Rachel expressed solidarity with Nigeria and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to promoting peace, religious freedom, and human rights. He also emphasized that freedom of religion and belief remains a fundamental human right protected under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The German commissioner acknowledged growing concerns over insecurity in several parts of Nigeria, including attacks linked to terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, noting that violence has affected communities across religious and ethnic lines.
He further called for unity, dialogue, and stronger protection for vulnerable communities, warning that insecurity and rights violations continue to threaten peace and stability in the country.