Washington, DC – In a strongly worded statement, Republican Senator Ted Cruz has criticised President Joe Biden for allegedly ignoring the slaughter of Christians by radical Islamic terrorists in Nigeria. Cruz praised former President Donald Trump for his administration’s decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious freedom issues and called for further action to hold Nigerian officials accountable.
The Texas senator’s remarks, released on [date, if applicable, but using current date: 5 November 2025], highlight ongoing concerns about religious persecution in Africa’s most populous nation. Nigeria has faced widespread violence in recent years, with militant groups such as Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen accused of targeting Christian communities in the northern and central regions. Human rights organisations have documented thousands of deaths and displacements, often linked to sectarian conflicts.
“Joe Biden turned a blind eye while radical Islamic terrorists slaughtered Christians in Nigeria,” Cruz stated. “I’m very grateful to President Trump for designating it a Country of Particular Concern. Now we should take the next step and hold Nigerian officials accountable. I intend to be very explicit about who they are in the coming days and weeks.”
Cruz’s comments come amid broader debates in the US Congress about foreign policy towards Nigeria, which receives significant American aid. The CPC designation, introduced under the International Religious Freedom Act, allows for potential sanctions against countries where religious freedoms are severely violated. Trump added Nigeria to the list in 2020, a move that was later reversed by the Biden administration in 2021, citing improved diplomatic relations.
Advocates for religious freedom have welcomed Cruz’s intervention, arguing that renewed pressure could lead to targeted sanctions on specific Nigerian officials implicated in failing to curb the violence. However, critics of the senator’s approach suggest it risks oversimplifying complex ethnic and economic tensions in the region.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly denied allegations of complicity, insisting that security forces are actively combating terrorism. A spokesperson for the Nigerian Embassy in Washington declined to comment immediately on Cruz’s statement.
Cruz, known for his vocal stance on international religious liberty, has previously sponsored legislation aimed at addressing similar issues in other countries. His pledge to name specific officials signals potential escalation, possibly through congressional hearings or proposed bills.
