Report on the US Congress Probe into Alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria
Introduction
On
November 20, 2025, the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on
Africa is scheduled to begin a formal investigation into allegations of
Christian genocide in Nigeria. This probe follows President Donald Trump’s
recent decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”
(CPC) for religious freedom violations. The congressional hearing is set to
take place at 11:00 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building,
chaired by Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey, and will be accessible via
live webcast.
Background
Nigeria was first designated as a CPC in 2020 under President Trump, a designation later removed by President Joe Biden after assuming office. However, on October 31, 2025, Trump reinstated Nigeria’s CPC status, citing severe violations of religious freedom. His decision was influenced by ongoing reports of attacks on Christian communities, including killings, kidnappings, and the destruction of churches by extremist groups. Trump asserted that Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria, claiming thousands of Christians have been killed by radical Islamists.
Trump’s Position and Threats
President
Trump has warned that the United States may take drastic measures if Nigeria
fails to address the alleged persecution of Christians. He threatened to halt
all aid and assistance to Nigeria and even suggested possible military
intervention. In a statement on November 1, 2025, Trump instructed the
Department of War to prepare for potential action, promising that any
intervention would be “fast, vicious, and sweet” against those he described as
terrorist groups targeting Christians.
Structure of the Congressional Hearing
The
hearing will feature two panels of witnesses. The first panel will include
senior US State Department officials such as Jonathan Pratt, Senior Bureau
Official of the Bureau of African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant
Secretary of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. The second panel
will consist of religious and policy experts, including Nina Shea, Director of
the Centre for Religious Freedom; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi Catholic
Diocese in Nigeria; and Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic &
International Studies. The hearing aims to assess the scope of religious persecution
in Nigeria and explore possible policy responses such as targeted sanctions,
humanitarian assistance, and collaboration with Nigerian authorities.
Nigerian Government’s Response
President
Bola Tinubu has strongly rejected the characterization of Nigeria as a country
hostile to religious freedom. In a statement on his official X account, Tinubu
emphasized Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to religious liberty and
tolerance. He argued that the genocide label does not reflect Nigeria’s
religious diversity or democratic values, insisting that religious freedom
remains a core tenet of the nation’s identity.
International Reactions
The issue
has drawn global attention, with Pope Leo XIV expressing concern over violence
targeting Christians in Nigeria and other regions. In a message on his verified
X account, the Pope highlighted Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and Bangladesh as
areas where Christian communities and places of worship face frequent attacks.
He called for peace and unity among believers, urging an end to violence
worldwide.
Domestic Peace Efforts
In
response to rising tensions, President Tinubu dispatched Dr. Abiodun Essiet,
his Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement in the North Central Zone,
to Plateau State. Essiet met with Christian clerics, Fulani Miyetti Allah
leaders, and other community representatives to foster dialogue and
inter-communal harmony. The initiative reflects Tinubu’s commitment to
grassroots peace structures as instruments for long-term stability in Nigeria’s
North Central region.
Legislative Developments
Beyond
the House of Representatives, the matter has also reached the US Senate, where
Senator Ted Cruz has sponsored a bill addressing Nigeria’s religious freedom
violations. This legislative push underscores the seriousness with which
American lawmakers are treating the allegations of Christian persecution in
Nigeria.
Conclusion
The
upcoming congressional probe represents a significant moment in US-Nigeria
relations, with potential implications for aid, diplomacy, and security
cooperation. While the US government frames the issue as a matter of religious
freedom and human rights, Nigeria’s leadership insists that the allegations
misrepresent its democratic and religious landscape. The outcome of the
hearings may shape future policy decisions, including sanctions or
intervention, and will likely influence international perceptions of Nigeria’s
handling of religious diversity and communal violence.
No comments:
Post a Comment