The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have formally submitted a comprehensive report to the White House detailing findings and recommendations on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The report, presented on Monday, outlines proposed measures to address religious violence, impose accountability, and strengthen security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.
Congressman Riley Moore, who led the investigation, confirmed the submission, stating that the document contains “concrete actions to end the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and counter growing extremist violence in the region”.
The report recommends establishing a bilateral US-Nigeria security agreement to protect vulnerable Christian communities and dismantle jihadist networks. It also proposes withholding certain US funds pending demonstrable action by the Nigerian government to curb violence.
Other recommendations include imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals and groups allegedly responsible for religious persecution, providing technical support to address violence attributed to armed Fulani militias, demanding the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws, and working with international partners such as France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.
The investigation followed President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and his directive mandating Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to lead a detailed congressional probe into the situation.
Here are the U.S. Congress recommendations to President Trump on persecution of Christians in Nigeria:
1. Bilateral US-Nigeria Security Agreement: Establish a security pact to protect Christian communities and dismantle jihadist networks
2. Withhold US Funds: Suspend certain US funds until Nigeria takes concrete action to stop violence against Christians
3. Sanctions and Visa Restrictions: Impose sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals and groups responsible for religious persecution
4. Technical Support: Provide technical support to Nigeria to eliminate violence from armed Fulani militias.
5. Repeal Sharia and Blasphemy Laws: Demand Nigeria repeal Sharia and blasphemy laws.
6. International Cooperation: Collaborate with France, Hungary, and the UK to address the issue.
7. Remove Fulani Militias: Remove Fulani militias from confiscated farmland and enable displaced communities to return.
8. Humanitarian Aid: Provide humanitarian aid to affected communities, especially in the Middle Belt region.
9. Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Expand counter-terrorism cooperation with Nigeria
10.Designate Fulani Militias as FTO Consider designating Fulani militias as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
bvi channel one
