‎ ‎Genocide claims: Trump vows to stand by Nigerian Christians, says development is of ‘particular concern’

United States President Donald Trump has declared Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ in response to allegations of a Christian genocide in the country, just as he vowed t stand by Christians in the country.
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‎Trump announced his decision in a Truth Social post on Friday, which was shared on the White House’s X handle.
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‎According to a publication by the Family Research Council in 2022, to declare a country a “country of particular concern” is an official designation typically made by the US government, primarily the Secretary of State, under specific US laws.
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‎The exact meaning and implications of the designation depend on the specific legislation applied, but it generally indicates that the country engages in activities detrimental to US interests or universal human rights standards.
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‎In the post, the US President wrote, “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern.’
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‎”But that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done!
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‎“I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter and report back to me.”
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‎Trump further said that the US is willing to save Christians in Nigeria and other countries from what he described as “atrocities” bedevilling them to save the population around the world.
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‎“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!” his post added.
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‎Meanwhile, the Federal Government, in response to the concern of the US, said it remained committed in its resolve to tackle the violent extremism that is fueled by special interests who have helped drive such decay and division in countries across the intersecting West African and Sahel regions.
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‎In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Federal Government said: “We mourn all the victims of violent extremism and salute our armed forces as they continue to fight against vicious but cowardly foes.
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‎”The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion.
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‎”Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength. Nigeria is a God-fearing country where we respect faith, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, in concurrence with the rules-based international order.
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‎”The US has been – and we trust will always remain – a close ally, because the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will maintain our laser focus and steadfast commitment to all partners who believe in genuine peace, stability, freedom and democracy.”
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