The United States, Donald Trump, has delivered a severe ultimatum to the Nigerian government, threatening to withdraw all American aid and potentially take military action if the ongoing violence against Christians continues unchecked.
In a recent post on his Truth Social account, Trump accused the Nigerian authorities of failing to safeguard Christians from terrorist attacks, asserting that the United States may intervene militarily to “wipe out” those responsible for such atrocities.
This latest announcement follows Trump’s re-designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) on Friday, pertaining to the alleged persecution of Christians within its borders. This designation, initially established during his presidency in 2020, had been rescinded by his successor, President Joe Biden, in 2021.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrendous acts,” Trump stated.
“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!” he added.
The CPC designation is typically reserved for nations accused of engaging in or tolerating “severe violations of religious freedom,” potentially leading to diplomatic sanctions or limitations on US foreign assistance.
In response, the Nigerian Federal Government has rejected Trump’s assertions, labelling them as misrepresentations of the current situation. A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, emphasised that Trump’s claims do not accurately reflect realities in Nigeria.
Subsequently, President Bola Tinubu personally addressed the issue, reiterating the government’s stance and dismissing the former president’s allegations.
This escalating situation calls for immediate international attention and underscores the complex dynamics surrounding religious freedom and security in Nigeria.
