Nigeria-US Working Group Launched in Abuja; Outlines Areas of Cooperation to Improve Religious Freedom and Bolster Security

The Nigeria-United States Working Group has been formally launched, with its first meeting in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. The NUSWG is established under a new framework for coordination, accountability, and joint efforts to counter terrorism and protect the vulnerable. Reports indicate that Lieutenant-General JOHN BRENNAN of the US Africa Command, AFRICOM, joined other senior miliary and political leaders at the launch ceremony in Abuja. In a joint statement published on the website of the US State Department after the first meeting of the Working Group in Abuja, participants discussed wide range of issues and challenges where U.S.-Nigeria cooperation will improve religious freedom and bolster security across the country.  It further noted that both sides also acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the US, grounded on shared values of pluralism, respect for rule of law and sovereignty. “The U.S. side welcomed an overview of Nigeria’s realignment of resources to address insecurity, particularly in the North Central states. The two governments reiterated their strong and unflinching commitment to upholding the principles of religious freedom and the need, therefore, to take joint active, sustained measures to promote and protect the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief for all in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” The joint statement further disclosed that “participants further emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, particularly members of vulnerable Christian communities, and holding perpetrators of violence accountable. Both sides re-affirmed their commitment to further strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, including by working together through operational cooperation, access to technology, anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism and building law enforcement and investigative capacity. “The U.S. delegation thanked Nigeria for their urgent actions to strengthen security for at risk Christian communities and Nigerians of all faiths whose safety is put in jeopardy by violence and terrorism. “It was decided that the next meeting of the Working Group should be held in the United States at a mutually convenient date to be arranged through diplomatic channels.” The Nigeria-US Working Group was established in response to the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald J. Trump under the International Religious Freedom Act. Working in close partnership, the objectives of the Working Group are to reduce violence against vulnerable groups in Nigeria, particularly Christians, and to create a conducive atmosphere for all Nigerians to freely practice their faith unimpeded by terrorists, separatists, bandits, and criminal militias, and those who otherwise wish to inflict harm on civilians regardless of faith. Nigeria’s National Security Adviser NUHU RIBADU led the Nigerian delegation comprising 10 Ministries and agencies and US Under Secretary of State ALLISON HOOKER headed the U.S. delegation of eight federal agencies.