CNA<\/a>).- Witnesses at a recent Congressional subcommittee hearing discussed continuing attacks by terrorists in Nigeria and ways that the United States can respond to the violence.<\/p>\n\tOngoing attacks on Nigerian Christians by the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram are \u201cunprovoked and unconscionable,\u201d said Congressman Chris Smith (R-N.J.), who chairs the U.S. House subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cPeople of all faiths \u2013 and all people of goodwill \u2013 must demand immediate action against this terrorist organization,\u201d he urged.<\/p>\n
\tSmith conducted a July 10 hearing before the subcommittee to examine U.S. policy towards Nigeria in light of violence against Christians and ethnic minorities, as well as other political and social problems in the country.<\/p>\n
\tStressing that stability and rule of law in Nigeria are critical for the entire region and globe, Smith highlighted the country\u2019s importance as Africa\u2019s largest democracy, most populous nation and largest oil producer.<\/p>\n
\tHe explained that Boko Haram \u2013 a militant Islamic group in the country \u2013 has been carrying out attacks against the Christian community and is reportedly involved with rebels and terrorist groups including al-Qaeda and possibly the Taliban.<\/p>\n
\tU.S. policy in Nigeria must address this violence, as well as other ethnic, political and social challenges in the country, he said, including reactions caused by government brutality, high unemployment rates and \u201cresentment over perceived government corruption.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tU.S. Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, Johnnie Carson, testified at the hearing, recognizing that Boko Haram \u201chas created widespread insecurity across northern Nigeria, inflamed tensions between various communities, disrupted development activities, and frightened off investors.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tCarson acknowledged that \u201cour understanding is limited at best,\u201d but claimed that the group is actually \u201ccomposed of at least two organizations\u201d with different focuses.<\/p>\n
\tHe said that the U.S. government recently designated three individuals associated with Boko Haram as \u201cSpecially Designated Global Terrorists\u201d in order to help \u201cexpose and isolate\u201d the group\u2019s most dangerous leaders.<\/p>\n
\tHowever, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, president of Christian Association of Nigeria, argued that the U.S. has not done enough to oppose the violence.<\/p>\n
\tOritsejafor lamented that despite the designation of individual terrorists, the U.S. State Department has refused to designate the group as a \u201cforeign terrorist organization.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tHe criticized this decision, saying that the U.S. is sending a clear message to Nigeria and to the world.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cIt is hypocritical for the United States and the international community to say that they believe in freedom and equality, when their actions do not support those who are being persecuted,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\tOritsejafor also rejected the idea that Boko Haram is \u201cfragmented and disorganized.\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\u201cSince its creation, the Boko Haram network has never hidden its agenda or intentions,\u201d he explained, adding that the group, whose name means \u201cWestern education is sinful,\u201d openly rejects the Nigerian state and seeks to impose Shariah law.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cTo this end, Boko Haram has waged a systematic campaign of terror and violence,\u201d he said. \u201cThey seek an end to western influence and a removal of the Christian presence in Nigeria.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tWith an increasing rate of terrorist attacks against Christians, Boko Haram \u201cis not only a northern problem, but a Nigerian problem with global implications,\u201d Oritsejafor observed.<\/p>\n
\tHe pointed to an attack the previous weekend that left 58 people dead in Christian villages in Jos, an attack for which Boko Haram has already claimed responsibility.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cThis is outright terrorism, not legitimate political activity or the airing of grievances,\u201d he insisted, adding that it is \u201conly a matter of time\u201d before the militant group attempts to bring its extreme agenda to the United States.<\/p>\n
\tOritsejafor urged the U.S. to lead the international community in taking action, warning that as Boko Haram \u201cincreasingly turns towards genocide\u201d against Christians, \u201chistory will not forget the actions or the inactions of your great nation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
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Washington D.C., Jul 17, 2012 \/ 02:08 am (CNA).- Witnesses at a recent Congressional subcommittee hearing discussed continuing attacks by terrorists in Nigeria and ways that the United States can respond to the violence.<\/p>\n
\tOngoing attacks on Nigerian C…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1031,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-556","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-us"],"yoast_head":"\n
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