The United States has announced new visa restrictions targeting Nigerians accused of undermining religious freedom. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that these restrictions will affect individuals who “knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom.” This announcement came after a roundtable in Washington, where US lawmakers discussed the escalating violence and targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Rubio emphasized that the visa policy is part of the US’s decisive action against the ongoing atrocities faced by Christians in Nigeria and around the world. The measure follows a previous directive from President Donald Trump regarding investigations into these issues.
Chris Smith, the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, highlighted specific groups, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, as entities that could face sanctions. Smith also stressed the need for the US to classify Fulani-Ethnic Militias in Nigeria as entities of particular concern under the International Religious Freedom Act.
In response, MACBAN has requested that Congress retract its recommendation for a visa ban, arguing that it conflates criminal gangs with law-abiding pastoralists who are also victims of Nigeria’s security challenges. Smith’s comments have raised concerns about the Nigerian government’s alleged complicity in the religious persecution occurring within the country.
