During the 74th annual National Prayer Breakfast held on Thursday, United States President Donald Trump issued a pointed address regarding the state of religious freedom in Africa, specifically highlighting the ongoing security challenges and reports of violence against Christian communities in Nigeria.
The President’s remarks, delivered before an audience of lawmakers, diplomats, and faith leaders, took a turn toward international affairs when he addressed the presence of the Nigerian delegation.
While acknowledging the diplomatic visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, President Trump underscored that the United States remains deeply concerned about what he described as a crisis of conscience regarding the safety of believers.
President Trump stated that his administration has been closely monitoring reports of systemic attacks on farming communities and places of worship, referring to the situation as one that requires unwavering transparency.
He noted that the United States would continue to place a high premium on the protection of religious minorities as a cornerstone of its foreign policy and trade relations with the African continent.
“The world is watching what is happening in Nigeria,” the President remarked, referencing reports that some have characterized as a targeted campaign against Christians.
He emphasized that the era of looking the other way is over and that the U.S. expects the Nigerian government to demonstrate measurable progress in securing its citizens and bringing perpetrators of sectarian violence to justice.