The United States on Monday placed Nigeria on a religious freedom blacklist, paving the way for potential sanctions if it does not improve its record. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo designated the U.S. ally — for the first time — as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom, alongside nations that include China, Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Pompeo did not elaborate on the reasons for including Nigeria, which has a delicate balance between Muslims and Christians. On Nigeria, an annual State Department report published earlier this year took note of concerns both at the federal and state levels. Improve or face sanctionsWhile the designations relate to government actions, the State Department has already listed Nigeria’s Boko Haram as a terrorist group.

Source: Daily Nation December 08, 2020 06:56 UTC