US Critiques Nigeria's Response to Christian Community Attacks

The United States has stated that Nigeria has not made sufficient progress in addressing attacks on Christian communities, urging that its designation as a Country of Particular Concern should remain. Frank Garcia, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, responded to US Congressman Riley Moore's inquiries regarding Nigeria's efforts to dismantle militia strongholds and kidnapping camps in the Middle Belt, particularly in Benue and Plateau states.

Moore emphasized that the US should not remove Nigeria from the CPC list due to inadequate responses to violence. Garcia acknowledged that while Nigeria is taking steps to address these concerns, the measures have not yet produced the desired impact.

He highlighted the establishment of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group as a framework for monitoring the Nigerian government's commitments. Despite US-supported counterterrorism operations in the Lake Chad Basin, Garcia noted that these efforts have not effectively addressed the activities of Fulani militants in the Middle Belt.

He cited ongoing violence, including a July 27 attack in Kaduna State and killings in Plateau State.