WASHINGTON - eTradeWire -- Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-1) today released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's recent threat to send U.S. troops into Nigeria amid reports of religious violence between Christian and Muslim communities:

"The suffering of the Nigerian people — Christian and Muslim alike — deserves compassion, not exploitation. Violence against any person of faith is unacceptable, and I stand firmly with all victims of terrorism and ethnic conflict. But the answer is not American bombs or boots on the ground. The U.S. have to work with the Nigerian government to eliminate Boka Haram and any terrorist or criminal groups."

Congressman Jackson emphasized that Nigeria's wave of violence stems from a complex mix of ethnic, economic, and religious tensions — not a one-sided campaign against Christians, as some have misleadingly portrayed.

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"Boko Haram and other extremist groups have killed both Christians and Muslims. Communities across Nigeria — from farmers in Plateau State to herders in the north — have suffered unspeakable loss. To call this simply a 'Christian genocide' is to ignore the full truth and the suffering of all Nigerians," Jackson said.

The Congressman sharply criticized President Trump's threat to deploy U.S. troops to Nigeria, calling it "a dangerous overreach" that risks reigniting colonial-era patterns of intervention on the African continent.

"Let's be clear — this sudden interest in Nigeria's internal conflict is not about human rights or saving lives. This is the same administration that slashed humanitarian aid across Africa - now claims it wants to 'save lives' through military action. Where was this urgency in Sudan, the DRC, or the Central African Republic where hundreds of thousands have died and millions forced displaced?" Jackson stated.

Just this year, deep cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and global food and health programs have severely limited America's ability to provide non-military support in Africa. Congressman Jackson noted that these cuts have worsened poverty, food insecurity, and displacement across the continent.

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"When you defund USAID and shut down peacebuilding initiatives, you leave communities vulnerable. You don't stabilize Africa with missiles — you stabilize it with schools, clean water, and opportunity," Jackson said.

Congressman Jackson reaffirmed his commitment to a diplomacy-first approach that prioritizes peacebuilding, humanitarian aid, and regional partnerships rather than unilateral U.S. intervention.

"The path to peace in Nigeria must come through dialogue, development, and dignity — not domination. America should be a partner in healing, not a hammer looking for a nail."

Congressman Jonathan Jackson | Representing the 1st District of Illinois (https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/)