The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) criticizes the U.S. Congress for sanctioning Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians, claiming it could empower Boko Haram’s propaganda. They highlight America’s own violence issues, urging the need for a balanced engagement with Nigeria rather than sanctions. PeacePro calls for political unity in Nigeria against divisive narratives.
The Foundation for Peace Professionals, known as PeacePro, has condemned the U.S. Congress’s decision to impose sanctions on Nigeria due to alleged persecution of Christians. Executive Director Abdulrazaq Hamzat argues that this action not only misrepresents the situation but could also support Boko Haram’s propaganda by reinforcing their narrative that the Nigerian government is attacking Christians.
In a pointed statement, Mr. Hamzat highlighted how Boko Haram and similar terrorist organizations capitalize on religious tensions to justify their acts of violence and to recruit new members. He asserted that by characterizing the security issues in Nigeria as a religious confrontation, the U.S. Congress inadvertently grants legitimacy to Boko Haram’s harmful messaging.
PeacePro specifically criticized the U.S. Congress’s actions for diverting attention from domestic violence issues in America, noting that between 2020 and 2022, the U.S. experienced over 216,506 deaths from homicides and gun violence, in contrast to 55,910 reported deaths in Nigeria from October 2019 through September 2023. This pointed disparity calls into question the motivations behind the sanctions imposed upon Nigeria.
The organization emphasized that if the intent is to combat human rights violations, the United States should first address its own gun violence epidemic. Furthermore, PeacePro expressed that the Nigerian government is confronting a multifaceted struggle against terrorism and organized crime, arguing that external interference based on erroneous religious narratives only complicates these efforts and empowers terrorist groups.
In conclusion, PeacePro urged the Nigerian government to reject the sanctions and to engage with international entities in a manner that promotes mutual respect and acknowledges the complexities of Nigeria’s security issues. Additionally, they called on Nigerian religious and political leaders to uphold national unity and distance themselves from divisive external narratives
PeacePro has raised significant concerns regarding the U.S. Congress’s decision to sanction Nigeria for alleged Christian persecution. They argue that such sanctions may validate Boko Haram’s propaganda and detract from the real issues of violence both in Nigeria and the U.S. The call for Nigeria to engage on a basis of respect highlights the need for a balanced understanding of the country’s challenges amidst rising global scrutiny.
Original Source: dailynigerian.com
