The United States government is exploring options, including sanctions and limited kinetic counterterrorism engagements, to pressure the Muslim-led Nigerian government to end the genocide of its Christian population by Islamist terrorists. In early November, U.S. President Donald J. Trump considered limited military action in Nigeria due to ongoing attacks against Christians within its borders. On Friday, Trump declared the Islamist attacks a genocide against the country’s Christian population, stating, “They’re killing people by the thousands,” adding, “It’s a genocide, and I’m really angry about it.”
The Trump administration, in partnership with rapper Nicki Minaj, highlighted the plight of Nigerian Christians at the United Nations. During the UN meetings, the U.S. began laying the groundwork for potential sanctions against the Nigerian government over its lack of action to protect its Christian citizens from Islamist terrorists and militias. Jonathan Pratt, the senior official leading the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, urged less talk and more action, stating, “The Trump administration is developing a plan to incentivize and compel the Nigerian government to better protect Christian communities and improve religious freedom,” with sanctions on the table.
In October, President Trump added Nigeria to the list of “Countries of Particular Concern,” denoting countries that the U.S. believes have violated the religious freedom of its citizens.
