- U.S. Lawmakers Slam Trump’s Threats Against Nigeria
- … Warn of Risks to Relations
- The congress members praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to foster interfaith dialogue and improve national security
Two senior members of the United States Congress, Gregory W. Meeks and Sara Jacobs, have sharply criticized President Donald Trump for his threats to cut off aid and potentially take military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a joint statement released on Monday, Meeks, who serves as the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Jacobs, the ranking member of the Africa Subcommittee, called Trump’s comments “irresponsible and reckless,” highlighting the dangers of such rhetoric.
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The lawmakers also expressed strong opposition to the Trump administration’s decision to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), arguing that it oversimplifies the complex and multifaceted nature of violence in the country.
According to the statement, the designation fails to acknowledge that much of the violence in Nigeria, particularly clashes between farmers and herders, is often driven by resource scarcity and land competition, rather than purely religious motivations.
“The designation ignores the reality that the violence is often rooted in resource disputes and territorial struggles,” the lawmakers noted. “Terrorist groups have targeted both Christians and Muslims, particularly in northern Nigeria, where criminal gangs, or ‘bandits,’ continue to wreak havoc.”
The congress members also praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to foster interfaith dialogue and improve national security, stating that “all Nigerians deserve protection, regardless of their faith.”
Both Meeks and Jacobs strongly condemned Trump’s suggestion of military intervention to “defend Christians” in Nigeria, calling it a “reckless response to distorted facts.” They warned that such threats could lead to unnecessary military conflict and complicate U.S.-Nigeria relations.
“It is incredibly irresponsible for President Trump to threaten military action,” said the lawmakers. “Providing security assistance is one thing; threatening intervention is something else entirely. This rhetoric could drag the United States into another unnecessary conflict.”
Regarding Trump’s call to cut U.S. aid to Nigeria, the lawmakers cautioned that such a move would undermine critical humanitarian and development programs. “Trump’s aid cuts have blocked essential programs that provide emergency nutrition and livelihood support programs that are vital for preventing the spread of insurgency,” they argued.
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