BREAKING: President Donald Trump has just announced that Nigeria will again be classified as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to escalating violence against Christians. This significant decision, made on October 31, 2023, restores Nigeria to the U.S. government’s top tier for religious-freedom offenders—an alarming status last held in late 2020.
This urgent designation underscores the rising attacks on Christians in Africa’s most populous nation, particularly from notorious Islamist terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa. The U.S. government had previously classified Nigeria under this designation following years of brutal persecution, and the recent resurgence of violence has prompted renewed action.
Tony Perkins, former chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), expressed his support for the announcement on social media, stating, “This is very good to see.” His comment highlights the ongoing concerns shared by many advocacy groups around the world regarding the safety of religious minorities in Nigeria.
The decision to designate Nigeria as a CPC is crucial as it draws international attention to the dire situation faced by Christians in the region. With reports of increasing violence, this designation could lead to more substantial diplomatic actions and aid efforts to protect vulnerable communities.
What’s Next: Observers and advocacy groups are now calling on the Biden administration to take decisive actions to support religious freedom in Nigeria. The international community is expected to closely monitor developments in the region, particularly as the holiday season approaches, a time when attacks on religious gatherings typically surge.
This urgent update is a call to action for global leaders to consider new strategies to combat religious persecution and protect the rights of individuals to practice their faith freely. As the situation develops, further responses from the U.S. government and international organizations are anticipated.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
