Catholic Activists in Africa Want Nigeria Withdrawn from “pro-LGBT, pro-abortion” Samoa Agreement

In the petition, the movement of Catholic activists who advocate for the promotion of family values goes 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 Catholic activists say.

They 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 that critics are further contended 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 Catholic activists say, “is seen as a deliberate attempt to introduce concepts that are culturally unacceptable and morally repugnant in Nigerian society.”

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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.”

The Catholic activists explain, “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).”

“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 further say.

In addition, CitizenGo Africa says that Article 36.1 on the importance of gender equality and women's economic empowerment, and Article 36.2 that 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. 

The Catholic activists say, “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 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, 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 that the pressure from European countries on Nigeria to sign the Samoa Agreement has been seen as a form of neo-colonialism.

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“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 July 9 petition.

In their considered view, “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.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.