High-Level Talks Address Security and Religious Freedom Claims
A high-powered delegation from the Nigerian government held a crucial meeting with United States Congressman Riley Moore in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. The discussion centered on Nigeria's security challenges and the controversial allegations of targeted attacks on Christians, which the congressman has previously labeled a 'Christian genocide'.
A Frank Exchange on Religious Violence
The Nigerian team was led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and included the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, alongside other top security and diplomatic officials. Congressman Moore, representing West Virginia's 2nd District, described the talks as 'frank, honest, and productive'.
He stated that the dialogue focused on alleged religious persecution, terrorist threats from groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed Fulani militants, and the potential for enhanced U.S.-Nigeria cooperation. Moore emphasized that the United States 'stands ready to coordinate and cooperate with Nigeria' and would not accept violence against Christians. He urged Nigeria to take tangible steps to protect vulnerable communities and disrupt terrorist organizations.
Nigeria's Firm Rejection of the Genocide Narrative
Officials from Nigeria, however, firmly pushed back against the characterization of a Christian genocide. They described the claim as a 'gross misrepresentation of reality', arguing that terrorist groups in the country attack individuals indiscriminately, regardless of their religious affiliation. This position is supported by security analysts who note that much of the data used to substantiate the genocide claims lacks independent verification.
The meeting occurs against the backdrop of proposed U.S. legislation, such as the 'Nigeria’s Religious Freedom Accountability 2025 Act' introduced by Senator Ted Cruz, which seeks to hold Nigerian officials accountable for alleged failures in protecting Christians.
Despite the disagreement on the nature of the violence, both sides viewed the meeting as a step towards potential collaboration. Mr. Moore highlighted discussions on protecting vulnerable communities, security assistance, and measures to reduce bloodshed, seeing it as an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its security measures in partnership with international allies.
