US Officials Warn of Potential Violence in Nigeria's Election

US officials have pledged to monitor Nigeria's upcoming presidential election in January closely, citing potential violence due to the country's security challenges. Frank Garcia, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, expressed concerns during his testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa.

He noted that the election could exacerbate tensions and violence, particularly given Nigeria's overstretched security resources and limited judicial reach. Congressman Riley Moore emphasized the need for vigilant observation of the election process.

Riley Barnes, the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, confirmed that the State Department has a dedicated team monitoring electoral processes globally, prioritizing Nigeria's election. The hearing also addressed ongoing violence against Christian communities in Nigeria and the government's response to these issues.

Garcia mentioned that the US is engaging with Nigeria through a Joint Working Group to enhance security and accountability for violence perpetrators.