US places Nigeria on religious freedom watchlist

The United States has placed Nigeria on a special watchlist for religious freedom, with President Donald Trump citing claims of anti-Christian violence.

The move, announced via a social media post, designates Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern.”

Unconventional designation process

Trump declared that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” alleging that “thousands of Christians are being killed” and that “radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”

This action appears to bypass the standard procedure for such designations. Typically, the country of particular concern label is assigned based on recommendations from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom and specialists within the State Department.

Instead, Trump stated he had asked the House Appropriations Committee and two Republican congressmen to “immediately look into this matter.”

Contested framing of complex conflicts

The allegations mirror contested claims by some right-wing US lawmakers, framing Nigeria’s multifaceted conflicts as a one-sided religious war. However, experts and the Nigerian government contend this framing is inaccurate.

Nigeria, divided between a majority-Muslim north and a predominantly Christian south, faces violence from multiple sources. This includes a long-standing insurgency by the militant group Boko Haram and clashes between farmers and herders over resources like land and water. Officials consistently deny that religion is the primary driver of these conflicts.

Potential repercussions and political context

Critics warn the new designation could pave the way for potential future sanctions against Nigeria, which is a key strategic partner for the US in West Africa.

The announcement aligns with Trump’s efforts to bolster his support among the Christian right, a vital part of his political base. Since returning to office, his administration has taken several actions focused on Christian advocacy within the US.

Republican lawmakers Rep. Riley Moore and Sen. Ted Cruz applauded the decision, having long pushed for such a designation.