A bipartisan delegation of United States Congress members has explicitly dismissed any plans for military intervention in Nigeria, stressing that the country's recent designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious freedom is intended to foster reforms through dialogue and partnership, not force.
The delegation, led by Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and including Reps. Michael Baumgartner, Keith Self, and Jefferson Shreve, made the clarification during a press conference in Abuja following extensive meetings with Nigerian government officials, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and private sector representatives.
"Nigeria does need help, but that does not mean U.S. troops," Rep. Huizenga stated emphatically.
He described the CPC designation as a "tool to motivate action" and an opportunity for "honest engagement between partners," rejecting suggestions that it signals military action or harms bilateral ties.
The lawmakers advocated for non-military support, including humanitarian aid, diplomatic cooperation, institutional reforms, and capacity-building initiatives phrasing it as placing "shoes on the ground, not boots."
They highlighted that violence affecting both Muslim and Christian communities in Nigeria is "unacceptable" and called for collaborative solutions through governance improvements and security enhancements.
U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills highlighted the visit's focus on shared priorities like democracy, economic growth, and security, reaffirming Washington's commitment to a strong U.S.-Nigeria relationship.
The delegation pledged to brief Congress on their findings, noting that measurable progress on religious freedom and violence reduction could lead to a review of Nigeria's CPC status.
This comes amid earlier tensions, including President Trump's threats of potential military action over alleged persecution of Christians, which the congressional visit appears to de-escalate in favor of sustained diplomatic engagement.
The CPC redesignation, reinstated under the Trump administration, has sparked debate, but the lawmakers emphasized its role in encouraging accountability without escalating to intervention.
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