TRUMP REDESIGNATES NIGERIA AS “COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN” AMIDST ONGOING DEBATE OVER RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–President Donald Trump has redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to allegations of severe violations of religious freedom, particularly against Christians. This move is not new, as Nigeria was previously designated as such in 2020 under Trump’s administration, only to have the designation revoked in 2023.
The redesignation comes amidst ongoing debate over the nature of violence in Nigeria, with some arguing that the country’s complex security challenges cannot be reduced to a single narrative of Christian persecution. Terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS have indeed attacked both Christians and Muslims, causing widespread suffering.
Key Facts:
– Previous Designation:Nigeria was first designated as a “Country of Particular Concern” in 2020 under Trump’s administration.
– Complexity of Violence:Experts argue that Nigeria’s security challenges are driven by a mix of historical grievances, ethnic tensions, economic disparities, and weak governance.
– Terrorist Attacks: Both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorist attacks, with some estimates suggesting that more Muslims have been killed in recent years.
– US Response: Trump’s administration has been criticized for its handling of the situation, with some arguing that the designation could further exacerbate tensions.
The redesignation has sparked mixed reactions, with some welcoming the move as a recognition of the plight of Christians in Nigeria, while others have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of such a designation
“I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern.’ But that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done!
“I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter and report back to me.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!” Trump wrote.
Recall that the Spokesperson for Nigerian government, Mohammed Idris, had in September, said “Portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is inaccurate and harmful.
“The federal government strongly condemns and categorically refutes recent allegations by certain international platforms and online influencers suggesting that terrorists operating in Nigeria are engaged in a systematic genocide against Christians.”
On October 17, Senior Adviser to President Trump on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, visited President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, where he dismissed claims of a targeted genocide.
“Those who know the terrain well know that terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe.
“Any loss of life is one too many, and we should work together to end this,” CHANNELS TV quoted Boulos as saying.
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