Nigeria Placed On US ‘Religious Persecution’ Watchlist

The United States has put Nigeria on its Special Watch List (SWL) for governments that have engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom.

Nigeria joins Russia, Cuba, Sudan, and Uzbekistan on the list.

According to a statement signed and released by US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo on Friday, it appears Nigeria is on the list due to Boko Haram activities in the north-east.

Pompeo said Boko Haram was designated as “Entities of Particular Concern.”

“These designations underscore the United States’ commitment to protect those who seek to exercise their freedom of religion or belief,” Pompeo added.

“We believe that everyone, everywhere, at all times, should have the right to live according to the dictates of their conscience.

“We will continue to challenge state and non-state entities that seek to infringe upon those fundamental rights and to ensure they are held to account for their actions.”