PeacePro vehemently criticizes the US Congress’s planned sanctions on Nigeria regarding alleged Christian persecution, suggesting it promotes Boko Haram propaganda. They highlight the hypocrisy given the US’s own violence issues and advocate for rejecting external interference that undermines Nigeria’s battle against terrorism.
The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has condemned the United States Congress for its plans to impose sanctions on Nigeria, accusing it of perpetuating Boko Haram propaganda regarding alleged persecution of Christians. According to Executive Director Abdulrazaq Hamzat, this congressional action is reckless and misleading, potentially enhancing terrorist recruitment by supporting the false narrative of a government-led war against Christians.
In a strong statement, Mr. Hamzat pointed out that Boko Haram and similar groups exploit religious tensions for their operations. By framing Nigeria’s security challenges as religious conflicts, the US Congress inadvertently legitimizes Boko Haram’s divisive propaganda, which further complicates national unity.
PeacePro highlighted the stark contrast in violence statistics, noting that the US experienced over 216,506 homicides between 2020 and 2022, significantly surpassing the 55,910 reported deaths in Nigeria from October 2019 to September 2023. This disparity illustrates a potential double standard in the congressional decision-making process.
The organization emphasized that if the US Congress aims to address human rights violations, it should first consider the gun violence issue in its own country. PeacePro argued that Nigeria is engaged in a multifaceted battle against terrorism and organized crime, and foreign intervention based on distorted religious narratives could hinder its efforts while empowering extremist groups.
PeacePro has urged the Nigerian government to reject these sanctions and pursue partnerships based on mutual respect and an understanding of Nigeria’s security situation. Additionally, they called on religious and political leaders in Nigeria to push back against divisive narratives and promote national unity against external pressures.
In summary, PeacePro strongly opposes the US Congress’s decision to sanction Nigeria over alleged Christian persecution. They argue that this move supporting Boko Haram’s propaganda could exacerbate internal religious conflicts, calling for a focus on addressing violence within the US itself. The organization advocates for Nigeria to reject these sanctions and encourages leaders to maintain unity amidst external pressures, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of the country’s security context.
Original Source: dailynigerian.com
