Rep. Sara Jacobs Questions State Dept. on Nigeria Warning System Cuts

Cuts to Early Warning Systems in Nigeria

• 💡 A program funded by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) that established early warning systems in Nigeria's Middle Belt, specifically in the predominantly Christian region of Yawwada, has been terminated.
• ⚠️ This program was effective in decreasing instances of violence and deaths, but its cancellation led to a recent attack where nearly 200 people died and 4,000 fled their homes.
• 🎯 Deputy Assistant Secretary Jacob McGee stated that while the U.S. partners with Nigeria, the Nigerian government must take responsibility for protecting religious freedom and stopping the violence.

State Department's Strategy and Tools

• 🗺️ The State Department is reviewing all available tools, including diplomatic, security, and assistance programs, to address the violence in Nigeria.
• 🤝 While acknowledging the need for the Nigerian government to act, the U.S. remains committed to providing support through locally owned and managed programming.
• ❓ Representative Jacobs expressed concern about the cancellation of successful, low-cost intervention programs like "Community Initiatives to Promote Peace."

International Religious Freedom Reporting

• 🗓️ The State Department has not yet submitted the statutorily required annual International Religious Freedom report, which is due in May but is now in November.
• 🔍 The report is intended to provide an overview of religious freedom globally and outline steps for governments to take.
• 📊 Human rights reports have been released, offering a snapshot of human rights conditions worldwide.

Assessment of Violence in Nigeria

• ✝️ The State Department acknowledges a particular problem of targeting Christians in Nigeria, who have suffered disproportionately.
• 📈 Evidence cited includes attackers chanting religious slogans, destruction of churches, and specific targeting on Christian holidays.
• 🌍 While Christians are disproportionately affected, the State Department stands with all communities suffering religious persecution.

Focus on Sudan Conflict

• 🇸🇩 President Trump announced a focus on ending the war in Sudan, a development welcomed by Representative Jacobs.
• 🧑‍💼 Concerns were raised about the sustainability of high-level attention without adequate working-level staff, particularly in light of USAID cuts and cuts to the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations.
• 🕊️ The State Department has retained staff in the Africa Bureau and has a significant office focused on Sudan, with Senior Advisor Bulos bringing high-level attention to the issue.