The Digest:
U.S. lawmakers have convened a high-level roundtable, accusing the Nigerian government of "foot-dragging" on protecting Christians from violence and vowing to use legislative tools to force accountability.
Key Points:
- U.S. lawmakers held a congressional roundtable accusing Nigeria of failing to protect Christians from "the most brutal and murderous anti-Christian persecution in the world."
- They named groups like Boko Haram and Fulani terrorists as perpetrators operating with "complete impunity."
- Lawmaker Chris Smith stated Nigeria is "ground zero of religious violence" and accused the government of trying to "run out the clock."
- Mario Díaz-Balart, chair of a key funding subcommittee, said he would address the issue through the FY26 funding bill to advance U.S. policy.
- The lawmakers affirmed commitment under President Trump to "hold the Nigerian government accountable for its complicity."
- The roundtable included chairs of appropriations and foreign affairs subcommittees and the head of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
- This signals a move from diplomatic dialogue towards potential conditional funding and legislative pressure.
Sources: The Cable
