Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio has revealed that the United States is implementing decisive measures against those responsible for alleged atrocities and violence targeting Christians in Nigeria and worldwide.
The State Department will now restrict U.S. entry visas for any individuals or officials who “knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom.”
The new policy explicitly applies to Nigeria as well as other governments and individuals engaged in the persecution of people based on their religious beliefs.
He said, “The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world. The state department will restrict U.S. visas for those who knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom. This visa policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs.”
Last month, Chris Smith, house foreign affairs Africa subcommittee chairman, introduced a resolution recommending visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and entities responsible for severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
Smith was part of Tuesday’s roundtable. His resolution named the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as erring entities
Smith also recommended that the US place “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau on the entities of particular concern (EPC) list under the International Religious Freedom Act
