WASHINGTON – A bill has been introduced in the United States Congress seeking to impose visa bans and asset freezes on members of Nigerian pastoralist groups, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
The proposed legislation, introduced by Congressman Christopher Smith, aims to sanction individuals and groups alleged to be “responsible for or complicit in severe violations of religious freedom” in Nigeria. The bill specifically lists “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in central Nigeria as “Entities of Particular Concern.”
This move aligns with former President Donald Trump’s recent re-designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ and follows claims by US lawmakers of “systematic persecution and violence” against Christian communities.
If passed, the bill would empower US authorities to deny entry and freeze the US-based financial assets of individuals linked to the named entities.
The Nigerian Federal Government has consistently rejected such allegations, maintaining that the country’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship and that its security challenges are not religiously motivated.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on a report from Leadership Newspapers and statements from US officials. The allegations against the mentioned groups are contested by the Nigerian government. CDA News presents this as developing news and does not independently verify the claims made by either party.
