A new U.S. bill is seeking to block visas and freeze assets of people and groups it believes are responsible for the religious pogroms in Nigeria, including the Miyetti Allah cattle breeders’ groups.
Senator Ted Cruz filed a Senate version that would push the State and Treasury departments to use the Global Magnitsky rules for targeted sanctions. House members, including Rep. Marlin Stutzman and Rep. Chris Smith, put forward companion steps asking for similar pressure and investigations. The measures name Miyetti Allah and related Fulani militias as possible targets.
The bills say U.S. authorities should consider visa bans, freezing money or bank accounts, and adding violent groups to watch lists. Sponsors say the steps are meant to punish those who attack people because of their religion and to protect civilians. Supporters point to repeated attacks on Christian communities in parts of Nigeria.
This move comes after Cruz announced on his social media that he will name names involved in the insecurity issues soon. It remains to be seen if the bills move in Congress, whether the U.S. executive branch uses sanctions rules, and how Nigeria’s government and groups named in the bills respond. If passed, the measures could affect travel, money and international ties for those accused.
