Nigerian Muslim and Christian Leaders Call for Unity Amid US ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Designation
Nigerian Muslim and Christian Leaders Call for Unity Amid US ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Designation
———————————————-
Nigerian Muslim and Christian peace advocates urge calm, unity, and dialogue following US designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’
Prominent Nigerian peace advocates have called for national unity and restraint following the United States’ recent designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) due to ongoing violence. According to Peace News, both Muslim and Christian leaders emphasized that Boko Haram’s insurgency and related insecurity affect communities across religious lines, and warned against sectarian narratives.
Professor Yusuf Usman, speaking on behalf of the Concerned Citizens group, urged Nigerians not to allow rumors or misleading claims about targeted attacks on Christians to fracture interfaith relations. He stressed that “every single life, regardless of faith, matters and should be protected by authorities.”
Other advocates, including Pastor Yohanna Buru and Hassan Abdul Rahman of the Supreme Council for Sharia, emphasized homegrown reforms, dialogue, justice, and interfaith engagement as critical to addressing insecurity. The Northern Christian Youth Professionals supported initiatives such as the Armed Forest Guard and state-level policing, calling for local community involvement and international technical assistance.
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) praised recent government reforms, including the Armed Forest Guard and calls for State Police, but urged local community involvement for effective security implementation. They also recommended that international partners provide technical support rather than troops, to preserve Nigeria’s sovereignty while enhancing stability.
They collectively warned that politicizing security or promoting divisive narratives could exacerbate instability, and underscored that Nigerian Muslims and Christians must work together to restore peace.
