President Trump’s promise to defend persecuted Christians in Nigeria has put Abuja on the backfoot and thrust Africa’s most populous country into the president’s unpredictable crosshairs.

Trump threatened over the weekend to mobilize American troops against Islamist terrorists killing Christians, blaming Nigeria’s leaders for failing to tackle the problem and labeling it a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) because of religious violence.

The designation compels the president to consult with the designated government, draft up a foreign policy action plan, and consult with Congress about implementation – within 90 days.

Trump also threatened to cut off aid and assistance to Nigeria barring meaningful action.

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Christian right has lobbied for CPC designation

The CPC designation was a victory for advocates who have mounted an intense lobbying campaign for U.S. action to defend Christians in Nigeria.

“It was unexpected, it was even a toss-up til the end,” said Nina Shea, senior fellow and director of the Center for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute, who met with administration officials late last month.

“There was no decision at the beginning of the week. By the end of the week, there was a decision, it was not really anticipated that he would designate it or when he would designate it, although he had to, under law, by the end of the year.”

Shea helped lead a group of over 30 advocates, Christian organizations and conservative think-tanks to send a letter to the administration on Oct. 15 calling for Nigeria to be designated a CPC. This was on top of celebrity advocacy from comedian Bill Maher and Grammy-nominated musician Nicki Minaj.

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