Washington says Nigeria’s efforts against violence are insufficient
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
US official Frank Garcia says Nigeria’s progress in tackling violence targeting Christian communities is insufficient. At a congressional hearing, he nevertheless said the Nigerian government was taking measures to address US concerns, according to Punch.
US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia told Congress that measures taken by Nigeria had not yet produced the expected impact against attacks targeting Christian communities in particular. He nevertheless said Nigerian authorities had taken action to address US concerns, during a hearing on Thursday devoted to violence in the country.
Garcia cited the creation of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group as a mechanism to monitor the Nigerian government’s commitments and measure their results. He also said US-backed counter-terrorism operations in the Lake Chad basin did not necessarily address the activities of Fulani militants operating in the Middle Belt, according to Punch.
US Congressman Riley Moore asked why Benue and Plateau states were not among the ten states covered by Nigeria’s new forest ranger initiative. He also noted that the 1,000 rangers approved by the presidency for Plateau had not yet been deployed, Punch reports.
Riley Moore had previously called for Nigeria to remain on the US list of countries of particular concern regarding religious freedom and violence against Christians.
