The U.S. House of Representatives has urged President Trump to impose sanctions on Nigeria over severe violence against Christians, criticizing the Biden administration’s reversal of Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern. The congressional hearing emphasized the ongoing religious persecution, with experts detailing the thousands of deaths and displacements. Legislative efforts to redesignate Nigeria have been reintroduced amid growing concerns from lawmakers and advocacy groups.
The United States House of Representatives has urged President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Nigeria due to escalating violence against Christians. This request arose during a congressional hearing addressing the severe religious persecution faced in Nigeria, where lawmakers and experts outlined the extent of the violence inflicted upon Christians and minority groups.
Experts highlighted the persistent attacks by Islamist extremists, leading to thousands of fatalities and mass displacements. Lawmakers criticized the Biden administration for withdrawing Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a move they believe lacks justification and fails to protect religious freedom.
Representative Chris Smith, an author of the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, stated that the Nigerian government has not sufficiently protected its Christian populace despite guarantees in its constitution for religious freedom. He cited reports indicating that over 52,000 Christians have been targeted and killed since 2009, alongside approximately 34,000 moderate Muslims.
Smith asserted that nearly five million Nigerians, primarily Christians, have been compelled to seek refuge in Internally Displaced Persons camps. He mentioned his resolution urging the redesignation of Nigeria as a CPC had been previously passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee but had not reached the House floor. Smith has now reintroduced this resolution as H. Res. 220.
During the hearing, testimonies revealed the systematic targeting of Christians by militant groups, particularly Fulani herders. Bishop Wilfred Anagbe emphasized an ongoing agenda to diminish the Christian identity of the population, citing instances of abductions and land seizures without government intervention.
Nina Shea of the Hudson Institute underscored Nigeria’s position as the deadliest country for Christians globally, indicating that nomadic Fulani Muslim herders are increasingly threatening Christian communities. Additionally, Tony Perkins, a former chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, condemned Western media for downplaying this humanitarian crisis, stressing that violence against Christians in Nigeria is intensifying.
As the urgency escalates, the focus remains on whether President Trump will act to reinstate Nigeria’s CPC designation and introduce sanctions to address the escalating persecution of Christians.
In conclusion, the U.S. House of Representatives has called for urgent action to impose sanctions on Nigeria in response to escalating violence against Christians. The congressional hearing highlighted the serious concerns regarding religious persecution and emphasized the government’s failure to protect its citizens. Experts and lawmakers alike are advocating for renewed designations and support to safeguard the rights of the persecuted in Nigeria.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
