Newly obtained filings indicate that diaspora advocacy groups played a key role in pushing the Trump administration to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern.
Newly released filings show that former US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) partly due to pressure from diaspora advocacy organisations. The documents reveal a coordinated influence campaign led by the United States of Biafra, a coalition comprising the Biafra Republic Government in Exile and the Biafra De Facto Government in the Homeland, both required to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act for their efforts to shape US policy.
The filings indicate that the groups targeted conservative American political circles aligned with Trump, framing support for Biafra as protection for Christians and a counterweight to China’s influence in Africa. US Senator Ted Cruz amplified these narratives, alleging in a video shared on X that “no country in the world persecutes Christians more than Nigeria,” citing deaths and church destructions attributed to Boko Haram and other extremists since 2009.
A joint declaration signed in Lahti, Finland, on December 2, 2024, accused Nigeria of a “genocidal onslaught” against Biafrans and Christians. Signatories included Simon Ekpa, currently serving a six-year prison sentence in Finland for terrorism-related offences and financial crimes, alongside US-based leaders Dr Ngozi Orabueze and Diane Emeh.
The filings also detail the movement’s internal governance, fundraising, humanitarian efforts, and its declaration of the “restoration” of the United States of Biafra after an internal vote. Ekpa was named coordinator of the transition government, which claimed authority over forty confederating states.
DAILY TRUST reports that the CPC designation followed increased pressure from US lawmakers and activists alleging Nigeria’s failure to protect Christians, a claim the Nigerian government rejects, insisting both Christians and Muslims have been victims of violence.