US President Donald Trump has officially designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing an “existential threat” to Christians in the country. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, alleging that “radical Islamists” are responsible for the mass slaughter of thousands of Christians in Nigeria.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump wrote. “I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’ — But that is the least of it.”
Trump instructed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the matter and provide a detailed report. “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries,” Trump said. “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!”
The designation is based on the International Religious Freedom Act, which requires the US president to identify countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom. The designation could lead to restrictions on US assistance to Nigeria and other penalties.
