The United States has announced new visa restrictions targeting Nigerians accused of undermining religious freedom.
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, stated yesterday in a post on X that the policy would affect those who “knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support or carry out violations of religious freedom.”
Rubio’s statement followed a roundtable in Washington convened by US lawmakers, bringing together religious freedom and foreign relations experts to discuss Nigeria’s escalating violence and what they described as the “targeted persecution” of Christians.
“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world,” Rubio wrote.
He added that the visa policy applies not only to Nigeria but also to other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs.
Roundtable Discussion and Legislative Background
The roundtable is part of ongoing investigations following directives from former President Donald Trump.
Last month, Congressman Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, introduced a resolution recommending visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and entities responsible for severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
During the session, Smith named the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as entities implicated in violations.
He also recommended that “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau states be placed on the Entities of Particular Concern (EPC) list under the International Religious Freedom Act.
In response, MACBAN urged the US Congress to withdraw its visa ban recommendation, arguing that the resolution “blurred critical distinctions between criminal gangs, which operate independently, and law-abiding pastoralists who are also victims of Nigeria’s deteriorating security landscape.”
During the discussion, Smith accused the Nigerian government of complicity in the alleged religious persecution, a claim that has drawn sharp debate among lawmakers and human rights advocates.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
