Trump Hints at Possible U.S. Military Action in Nigeria Amid Concerns Over Christian Killings
Nigeria has struggled with deadly clashes between Boko Haram insurgents, armed bandits, and communal conflicts that have killed thousands of civilians.
They're killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers. Photo/courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the United States may deploy troops or conduct air strikes in Nigeria, citing widespread killing of Christians in the country. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump indicated that military intervention was among several options being considered by his administration.
When asked if he foresaw American troops on the ground or possible air operations in Nigeria, Trump said, “Could be. I mean, other things. I envisage a lot of things. They’re killing record numbers of Christians in Nigeria … They’re killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers. We’re not going to allow that to happen.”
The president spoke on his way back to Washington after spending the weekend at his Florida vacation home. He made the comments just a day after he issued another warning on Saturday that military options were on the table against Nigeria if the government there failed to take action against violence aimed at its Christian communities.
The statements by Trump mark one of the most direct warnings yet from his administration over religious violence in Africa’s most populous nation. For years, Nigeria has struggled with deadly clashes between Boko Haram insurgents, armed bandits, and communal conflicts that have killed thousands of civilians among both the Christian and Muslim communities.
The warning by the president coincided with a decision by the U.S. government to re-add Nigeria to its list of “Countries of Particular Concern,” a classification reserved for countries accused of egregious breaches of religious freedom. The designation, announced by the U.S. State Department, places Nigeria in a category that includes countries like China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, and Pakistan, which have faced criticism for various restrictions or persecution of religious groups.
Trump’s remarks have received both praise and skepticism. Some human rights watchers see his position as a welcome signal that America is renewing its commitment to the protection of global religious freedom. Critics say military action would exacerbate regional instability and further strain diplomatic relations between Washington and Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. Analysts say it remains unclear whether the remarks were a serious policy proposal or a political warning to pressure Nigeria to do more in light of tensions that continue to mount. Whatever the case, Trump’s words have thrust the Nigerian religious violence again into the international spotlight and renewed debate over what role the US should play in global hotspots where human rights abuses are committed.
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