Biden's Nigeria Problem

By Scott Morgan

During the trip to Africa last week the State Department released the list of Religious Persecutors that was approved by Secretary of State Blinken. There were several surprises such as the listing of Russia as a CPC. However there is one omission that has created controversy in certain circles.

Last year Secretary of State Pompeo designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. This was seen by some as a cynical Thank You to part of the base that were supporters of Donald Trump the Evangelical Community. This view is indeed shortsighted. Catholics, Agnostics and even some Shia groups have been advocating for this move for years.  Those advocating for this were not just Americans but also from Nigeria as well.

We all have heard the backstory ad nauseum. Islamic Militant Groups Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West African Province) have wrestled control of Borno State away from the Central Government in Abuja. One group documented that 3,462 Christians were killed in Nigeria in the first six months of this year. It is known that Moderate Muslims have suffered at the hands of these Militants as well. 

The violence has shifted as well. One of the main focal points is in the State of Kaduna at this time. Earlier this fall USCIRF issued a report on how Islamic Courts in the State deliver justice as well. These courts even have sentenced a rapper to death for Blasphemy over lyrics in a song. 

It is in this light that Nigeria was removed as a CPC. This move which was not adequately explained by the State Department has drawn criticism from some Christian Groups who have been passionate in their desire for relief for the Christian Community. Even Politico even ran an item that can be seen as being critical of the decision. 

However there is another move regarding Nigeria that is sure to have people scratching their heads. During the Summer the State Department released its TIP (Trafficking in Persons) report. This report documents how people are being trafficked in the Sex Trade and other issues. 

One of the hidden aspects of this report is that it documents the use of Child Soldiers in the countries that it reports on under the terms of CSPA (Child Soldiers Prevention Act) .  A determination was made that Nigeria was indeed in violation of this act. This finding means that either the Nigerian Government, Paramilitaries or Insurgent Forces were in fact using or recruiting members under the age of 17 to be member of their forces.

This mean that the country was eligible for sanctions under this law. However a waiver could be granted by the President stating that it was in the best interests of the United States that it was in the best interests to keep this aid flowing. Although most didn't notice this a waiver was in fact granted to Nigeria so that the aid will still continue to flow. 

Some are wondering how these actions could take place. The easy answer is successful lobbying by certain actors. It has been reported that the Africa Bureau within the State Department was one of the driving forces in having Nigeria removed from the CPC status. 

One can ask what the payoff is? Fair question. It is known that Nigeria will attend the virtual summit on Democracy that is being organized by the Biden Administration on December 9th. Surely there is more of a payoff for this.

It is realized that a Stable Nigeria means a stable Gulf of Guinea region. However the current Human Cost and Strategic Blunders does have some asking are these decisions in the best interest of those on the ground? 

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