The federal government of the United States has redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over allegations of genocide against Christians.
President Trump, in a post on social media on Friday, stated that Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat”.
He announced the West African country’s inclusion on a State Department watch list or “countries of particular concern.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria has repeatedly denied the claimed.
The Tinubu administration said that the claim is being propagated those who don’t want wish well for Nigeria.
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Recall that Senator Ted Cruz has been pushing for designation of Nigeria as a country of concern due to alleged “severe violations” of religious freedom in Nigeria.
This designation, which currently applies to nations such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, could lead to U.S. sanctions.
A bill introduced by the senator last month is awaiting action in the Senate, though its ultimate approval is not guaranteed.
Cruz’s assertions have been amplified by some US celebrities and commentators, often without substantiating evidence, with certain figures going as far as alleging a “Christian genocide.”
However, Trump wrote, “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,”
“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 Tome 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, able to save our Great Christian population around the world!”
