The Foundation for Peace Professionals condemns US Congress sanctions on Nigeria, claiming they misrepresent the situation and bolster Boko Haram propaganda. They urge a reconsideration of US domestic violence issues while advocating for Nigeria’s security narrative. The organization calls for national unity among Nigerian leaders in the face of external pressures.
The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has criticized the United States Congress for its intended sanctions against Nigeria, which stem from claims of Christian persecution. In a statement issued by Executive Director Abdulrazaq Hamzat, PeacePro characterizes this action as both reckless and misleading, suggesting it may inadvertently support Boko Haram’s propaganda by portraying the Nigerian government as waging a war on Christians.
Hamzat emphasized that Boko Haram and similar terrorist organizations exploit religious tensions to justify their violent actions and grow their ranks. By interpreting Nigeria’s security issues as rooted in religious conflict, he argues that the US Congress inadvertently legitimizes Boko Haram’s harmful messaging.
“Sanctions imposed on Nigeria over misleading claims of Christian persecution play directly into Boko Haram’s propaganda strategy,” stated PeacePro. The organization stresses that this distorted narrative not only facilitates recruitment for terrorist groups but also exacerbates societal divisions within Nigeria.
PeacePro pointed out that between 2020 and 2022, the US recorded over 216,506 homicide and gun violence fatalities, a figure significantly higher than Nigeria’s 55,910 deaths between October 2019 and September 2023. “Despite this alarming figure, the US Congress has chosen to impose sanctions on Nigeria while ignoring its own domestic crisis of violence and mass shootings,” they noted, characterizing this as a glaring double standard.
“If the goal is to address human rights violations and violence, the US Congress should first confront the epidemic of gun violence within its own borders,” added Hamzat. He further highlighted that Nigeria faces a challenging battle against terrorism, and that external interference based on erroneous religious narratives undermines its efforts against such threats.
In conclusion, PeacePro encouraged the Nigerian government to dismiss the sanctions and engage with international partners through a lens of mutual respect and comprehensive understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges. The organization also called for Nigerian religious and political leaders to reject divisive narratives and foster national unity amidst external pressures.
In summary, the Foundation for Peace Professionals critiques the US Congress for considering sanctions against Nigeria over alleged religious persecution, arguing that such actions could inadvertently assist Boko Haram’s narrative. They emphasize the need for a balanced understanding of Nigeria’s security issues and call for stronger national unity and respectful international relations. PeacePro asserts that the focus should also be placed on addressing domestic violence in the US before imposing external sanctions.
Original Source: dailynigerian.com
