US CONGRESSMAN TO LEAD HEARING ON CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION IN NIGERIA

A United States congressman, Chris Smith, is scheduled to lead a congressional hearing on November 12 to examine the persecution of Christians and the wider security challenges facing vulnerable communities in Nigeria.

The hearing, titled “One Year Later: Assessing Nigeria’s Efforts to Protect Christians and Secure the Middle Belt”, will be conducted by the Africa Subcommittee of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, which Smith chairs.

The session will assess violence attributed to extremist groups, including Boko Haram, as well as the Nigerian government's efforts to protect affected communities, prevent further attacks and bring perpetrators to justice.

The hearing will also consider possible steps the United States could take to encourage stronger action by Nigerian authorities against religious violence targeting Christians and other vulnerable communities.

Two panels of witnesses are expected to participate. The first will feature Frank Garcia, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and Riley Barnes, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour.

The second panel will include religious freedom advocate Nina Shea, Open Doors US Chief Executive Ryan Brown, and Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

The session will take place at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC, and will be streamed live.

The hearing reflects continued congressional attention to religious violence and insecurity in Nigeria, as US lawmakers examine the country's efforts to protect vulnerable communities.