A leading Catholic official in Africa has lauded the U.S. Congress for passing a pivotal Bill aimed at promoting religious liberty. The State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill significantly shifts US foreign policy by increasing funding to support religious freedom, human rights, atrocity investigation, and humanitarian assistance in Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt and Benue State.

The Bill earmarks $10 million for Nigeria, specifically targeting regions severely impacted by violence. Johan Viljoen, Director of the Denis Hurley Peace Institute of the Bishops’ Conference of Southern Africa, emphasized the importance of this legislation in defending religious freedom in Nigeria.

Viljoen highlighted concerns over the U.S. State Department’s omission of Nigeria from the list of Countries of Particular Concern for religious persecution, despite Nigeria accounting for 90% of the 5,500 Christians killed worldwide in 2022 due to their faith. Since Boko Haram began its insurgency in 2009, at least 52,250 Christians have been killed in Nigeria, according to the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety).

Nigeria continues to struggle with terrorism from groups like Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, and Fulani militias. A report by International Christian Concern (ICC) documents the severe human rights abuses committed by these groups, including torture, inhumane punishments, and sexual violence against Christian communities.

Viljoen praised the Bill’s emphasis on funding faith-based organizations directly, rather than through government channels, which often lead to misappropriation of funds. He expressed optimism that this approach would have a significant impact on local communities.

The ICC report calls for Nigeria to be reinstated as a Country of Particular Concern, underscoring the urgent need to address the ongoing persecution of Christians in the country. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been given 30 days to justify why Nigeria was not designated as such, despite its alarming record of religious persecution.

This legislative move is seen as a crucial step in supporting Nigeria’s Christian communities and addressing the severe religious freedom violations they face.