U.S. Congress approves Trump’s sanctions against Nigeria

DDM News

The United States Congress has authorized President Donald Trump to impose strict sanctions on Nigeria over Christian persecution.

Chris Smith, Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, announced the decision after a congressional hearing.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the hearing focused on reports that Nigerians account for 90 percent of Christians killed worldwide each year.

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi testified, describing militant Fulani herdsmen as terrorists who attack Christian communities without consequences.

Smith condemned the Nigerian government for failing to protect Christians from widespread violence and abductions.

He cited a report by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa detailing over 55,000 killings between 2019 and 2023.

The report also documented 21,000 abductions linked to religious violence in Nigeria.

Smith criticized former President Joe Biden’s administration for removing Nigeria from the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list.

Trump had initially placed Nigeria on the CPC list due to severe religious persecution and attacks against Christians.

Smith argued that delisting from this category allowed the violence to escalate unchecked.

He reintroduced a resolution urging the U.S. government to reinstate Nigeria on the CPC list.

If the violence continues, the resolution calls for imposing further sanctions against Nigeria.

Smith warned that immediate intervention is necessary to prevent what he called “religious cleansing” in Nigeria.

He insisted that those responsible for these attacks must be held accountable for their crimes.

“This hearing should be a catalyst for action,” Smith stated while addressing the committee.

He emphasized that imposing sanctions has historically led to positive changes in other countries.

Smith expressed confidence that Trump would take strong measures to address the crisis.

He urged Trump to engage directly with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on the matter.

The decision by Congress reflects growing international concern over religious violence in Nigeria.

If implemented, these sanctions could significantly affect diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Nigeria.

Observers believe the Nigerian government may face pressure to take stronger action against religious violence.

The situation remains critical as Christian communities continue to suffer attacks across Nigeria.

Smith urged the international community to take a stand against religious persecution.

He called for swift action to ensure justice for victims of religious violence.

The proposed sanctions and diplomatic engagements will be closely monitored in the coming months.

Pressure is mounting on Nigeria to implement effective security measures to protect its Christian population.

Smith stressed that silence is not an option while thousands of innocent lives are at risk.

The global community must act to safeguard religious freedom and end targeted violence in Nigeria.

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