The rising violence in Nigeria deeps the divides that separate different religious communities because Nigerian identities are deeply tied with ethno-religious identities. Some groups have claimed that the violence can be explained away as a result of cattle rustling; we believe, however, that conflicts of any kind should be resolved via proper legal channels.
We ask that the United States send a special coordinator to Nigeria:
- Specifically for the purpose of coordinating an adequate response to the crises in Nigeria.
- To help counter the increasing violence in Nigeria, which jeopardize the stability of Nigeria, Europe, and the United States.
The country of Nigeria is of a strategic interest to the United States. Nigeria stands at the intersection of North Africa and Sub Saharan African. Of the top 25 most populous countries, Nigeria has the highest social hostilities around religion.[1] It is Africa's most populous state. As the largest economy in Africa, it holds considerable weight in African politics and business.
Currently, the situation in Nigeria threatens to undermine its stability. This would result in decreased trade with Nigerian and U.S. companies, as well as start a mass influx of refugees escaping the violence. In short, it is of vital U.S. economic, political, and national security interest to confront the issues that endanger Nigeria today.
We were encouraged by President Trump's comments regarding religious persecution and his meeting with the two Nigerian Chibok girls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram, but the situation in Nigeria continues to deteriorate. Some of the Fulani militants, emboldened by the actions of Boko Haram, have begun using violent tactics against civilians.
Although President Buhari has labelled some of these attacks as "terrorism", overall, the Nigerian government's response to the situation is too weak. The growing trend of violence we see in these attacks will destabilize the nation if we do not act soon.
