US lawmakers have recommended that Nigeria repeal Sharia and anti-blasphemy laws to stem the growing tide of extremist violence in the country. These recommendations, among others, were part of a recent report to the White House by the representatives on the House appropriations and foreign affairs committees. They argue that these laws are used to “silence speech and dissent, target Christians and minorities.” The demand is bound to face substantial pushback from Nigeria’s Muslims, who make up roughly half the country’s population. The recommendation could further heighten tensions between the country’s Muslim and Christian populations. Of its 36 states, 12 practice Sharia law, all of which are based in the country’s predominantly Muslim northern region. The recommendation comes on the back of accusations that Nigeria is not doing enough to protect its Christian communities from jihadist violence. However, the country’s government disputes these claims, stating that extremist violence affects Christians and Muslims in equal measure.
Bloomberg
