The Nigerian government has rejected U.S. claims that violence against Christians is targeted and part of a campaign to label Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs attributes violence to criminality, asserting that all citizens, regardless of faith, are affected. Ongoing military operations and community engagement efforts are in place to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
On Friday, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs countered claims made by the United States regarding the targeting of Christians in violence across Nigeria. Acting spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa highlighted that the violence is rooted in criminalities such as banditry and insurgency, rather than religious motives. The government criticized allegations as misleading and part of a strategy to coerce foreign nations into designating Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’
The response from the Nigerian government follows a congressional hearing by the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee which scrutinized the situation of Christians in Nigeria. During this session, lawmakers voiced discontent regarding the perception of the Nigerian government’s inadequate protection of Christian communities experiencing violence. A report presented indicated that Nigeria accounts for a significant number of global Christian fatalities annually.
Despite this, Nigeria’s government firmly rejected such assertions, stating that security issues affect all citizens irrespective of their religion. The Ministry reiterated that ongoing security challenges, particularly in the northern regions, do not target specific faith groups. They asserted, “Any narrative that seeks to give such incidents a colouration of religious persecution is erroneous and misleading.”
The ministry also outlined ongoing military efforts to maintain stability and protect citizens, emphasizing their commitment to addressing communal conflicts and the broader security landscape. The government called upon international allies to ensure the authenticity of claims prior to making pressing decisions and judgments regarding Nigeria’s situation.
While U.S. lawmakers, including Representative Chris Smith, advocate for Nigeria’s reinstatement as a CPC, the Nigerian government maintains that it does not endorse state-sanctioned religious persecution. Amid rising pressures from advocacy groups, the Nigerian government is steadfast in its position that religious violence is not sanctioned by the state but rather stems from systemic, non-religiously motivated security challenges affecting all communities.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government has strongly denied allegations of targeted killings of Christians, attributing the violence to broader criminal issues. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasized that the security challenges faced by Nigeria are inclusive of all citizens, regardless of faith. As U.S. lawmakers continue to express concerns, Nigeria’s government stands firm in promoting its narrative of religious tolerance and denouncing any mischaracterization of its security issues.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
