Washington, D.C. – US Senator Ted Cruz has hailed President Donald Trump’s decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to the ongoing persecution of Christians in the African nation.
The Republican senator from Texas expressed his deep gratitude for the move, which he described as a crucial step towards holding Nigerian officials accountable for facilitating an environment that enables such atrocities.
“I am deeply gratified to President Trump for making this determination,” Mr Cruz said in a statement released on Friday. “I have fought for years to counter the slaughter and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and this year introduced legislation that will lock in the designation made today.”
He added: “Today’s designation is a critical step in holding accountable and changing the behaviour of Nigerian officials who have facilitated and created an environment conducive to the outrages in Nigeria. My legislation implements additional steps, including targeting those who implement blasphemy and sharia laws in Nigeria, and I am committed to working with the administration and my colleagues to advance my bill and implement these necessary measures.”
Mr Cruz praised the president’s action as “a great one” and thanked him for his “strong leadership” on the issue.
The designation as a CPC is a formal recognition by the US government of severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria, potentially paving the way for further diplomatic or economic measures.
In background details provided by Mr Cruz’s office, the senator has introduced legislation in the Senate aimed at solidifying Nigeria’s CPC status. The bill also proposes sanctions on Nigerian officials who facilitate Islamist jihadist violence or enforce blasphemy laws.
This development comes amid growing international concern over religious tensions in Nigeria, where reports of attacks on Christian communities by militant groups have drawn widespread condemnation.
Mr Cruz’s efforts underscore a broader push within the US Congress to address global religious persecution, with Nigeria’s situation highlighted as a priority area.
