US adds Nigeria to ‘Special Watch List’ as Donald Trump threatens tough action

Washington: US President Donald Trump has declared Nigeria a 'country of special concern' and said that if attacks on Christians there do not stop, American aid will be stopped and the option of military action is ready. The Nigerian government rejected this allegation and said that religious freedom is safe in the country.

What did Trump say after all?

Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that “Christianity is in danger” in Nigeria and “thousands of innocent people are being murdered.” He said the US would not shy away from taking “swift, decisive, and brutal action” if the violence continued. The President has also directed the Defense Ministry to prepare for possible military options.

Why was Nigeria put on the ‘Special Watch List’?

America has included Nigeria in the Special Watch List of the Ministry of External Affairs. This list includes those countries where religious freedom is considered a serious violation. Before Nigeria, this list includes countries like China, Russia, Pakistan, North Korea, and Myanmar. According to America, this step has been taken with the aim of stopping religious persecution and increasing international pressure.

What was Nigeria's reaction?

The Nigerian government has completely rejected Trump's allegations. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's office issued a statement saying that "people of all religions in the country are afforded equal freedom and protection." The State Department described it as “political propaganda” and said the US should better understand the social complexities of Africa.

Is it a religious issue or an internal conflict?

International analysts believe that it would be wrong to call violence in Nigeria only a religious conflict. The conditions here are also linked to extremism, lack of resources, land disputes, and ethnic tensions. Many attacks stem from conflicts between herders and farming communities, and not just religious hatred.

What is America's purpose?

According to the policy of the Trump administration, America is making the protection of religious freedom at the global level an important part of its foreign policy. Experts say that this step could also be a strategy to increase America's presence and influence in Africa.

US President Trump has given a strong warning regarding attacks on Christians in Nigeria. He said that if the violence does not stop, America will stop economic aid and will also consider military action. Nigeria has rejected these allegations, while experts consider it to be more a political and strategic issue than a religious one.