Catholics in Africa want Nigeria withdrawn from ‘pro-LGBT, pro-abortion’ Samoa agreement

A map of Nigeria. / Credit: Shutterstock

ACI Africa, Jul 12, 2024 / 14:25 pm (CNA).

Catholic activists under the umbrella organization CitizenGO Africa are calling on the Nigerian government to withdraw from the Samoa agreement, a contentious document they say seeks to promote abortion and LGBTQ ideologies in the West African nation.

In a petition launched on Tuesday, July 9, the members of CitizenGo Africa — which advocates for the promotion of family values — say there have been widespread debates in Nigeria compelling the government to withdraw from the agreement that is perceived to undermine the fundamental cultural values of Nigerians.

“The calls for Nigeria to withdraw from the agreement reflect a deep-seated concern for protecting the country’s legal framework, cultural integrity, and fundamental values,” the activists say in the petition.

In addition, they say the push for Nigeria to withdraw from the agreement “is grounded in a staunch belief that the terms and provisions of this pact pose a threat to the Nigerian legal system, sovereignty, and values.”

According to CitizenGo, “the provisions within the agreement have been critiqued for their potential to undermine Nigeria’s autonomy and impose foreign ideologies that are incompatible with Nigerian society.”

In the petition, the activists go on to highlight sections within the agreement that they say undermine African cultural values.

“One of the principal contentions against the Samoa agreement revolves around Article 2.5, which mandates that the signatory parties must actively promote a gender perspective and ensure gender equality across all policies,” the activists say.

They further explain: “Critics argue that the term ‘gender equality’ is a guise that conceals a broader agenda that includes the legitimization of practices such as homosexuality, lesbianism, transgenderism, and abortion.”

CitizenGo Africa says critics further contend that the use of the term “gender” in the agreement “is problematic, as it diverges from the constitutional definition in Nigeria, which explicitly uses the term ‘sex’ instead.”

This deviation, the activists say, “is seen as a deliberate attempt to introduce concepts that are culturally unacceptable and morally repugnant in Nigerian society.”

CitizenGo Africa further refers to Article 29.5 of the agreement, which they say “calls for universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, education, and the integration of reproductive health into national programs.”

“Critics argue that the vague language used in this article masks more controversial practices such as abortion, LGBT services, and the promotion of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE),” they explain.

“This ambiguity raises concerns about the potential influence of the Samoa agreement in shaping the socio-cultural landscape of Nigeria, particularly regarding sensitive issues related to sexuality and reproductive health,” they continue.

In addition, CitizenGo Africa says that Article 36.1 on the importance of gender equality and women’s economic empowerment and Article 36.2, which commits parties to implement the Beijing Declaration and the International Conference on Population and Development, seek to impose foreign values on citizens of Africa’s most populous nation. 

“Critics view these provisions as a potential gateway for the imposition of foreign ideologies and values that run counter to Nigeria’s cultural norms and sovereignty,” the activists say.

“The reference to ‘sexual and reproductive health and rights’ in these articles is particularly contentious, as it has been associated with promoting LGBT rights, sexual orientation, and gender identity, which are sensitive issues in Nigerian society,” they say.

In their petition, the CitizenGo Africa members also point out that the agreement extensively mentions human rights but needs to offer clear definitions for what these rights entail.

They say the ambiguity in elaborating on the rights therein “has raised suspicions about the underlying intentions of the agreement and its potential implications for the legal and social landscape of Nigeria.”

“Critics argue that the vague language used in the agreement leaves room for interpretation that could result in the infringement of fundamental rights and values enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights instruments,” they say.

CitizenGo Africa says the pressure from European countries on Nigeria to sign the Samoa agreement has been seen as a form of neo-colonialism.

“The attempt to coerce Nigeria into agreeing to terms at odds with its cultural beliefs and legal framework has been met with resistance from those who advocate for the protection of Nigerian identity and autonomy,” the Catholic activists say in their petition.

“The refusal to bow to external pressure and prioritize the preservation of Nigerian sovereignty has emerged as a central argument in favor of withdrawing from the Samoa agreement,” they say.

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.