USCongress recommends blocking Nigerian beef exports to compel Fulani disarmament
US Congress recommends blocking Nigerian beef exports to compel Fulani herdsmen to disarm, following escalating attacks on Christian communities. This recommendation is part of a broader report titled "Ending the Persecution of Christians in Nigeria" produced after US investigations into alleged violence by Fulani militias and terrorist groups. The report outlines multiple strategies for addressing the crisis, ranging from economic measures to legal reforms and enhanced security cooperation. Nigeria is urged to strengthen security and governance measures by deploying capable security forces, implementing early-warning systems, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable. The report also emphasizes programs to disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate militias, support displaced communities, and carry out land reforms to restore farmland seized by armed groups. The US frames these actions as necessary to protect Christian communities, particularly in Nigeria's Middle Belt, where attacks, kidnappings, and destruction of churches and schools have been widespread. The Nigerian government rejected claims of targeted Christian persecution, signaling tensions between the two nations over the issue.