Summary of HRES 860

Bill Number: HRES 860

Title: Commending President Trump for Redesignating Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern due to Nigeria's engagement in and tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, and for other purposes.

Status: Submitted in House

Introduced: November 04, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HRES 860 is a resolution that commends President Donald J. Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to its ongoing violations of religious freedom. The resolution emphasizes the need for accountability regarding the Nigerian government's complicity in religious persecution, particularly by radical Islamist groups such as Boko Haram and Fulani terrorists.

Key Provisions

The resolution outlines several key provisions aimed at addressing the situation in Nigeria:

1. Commendation of Presidential Action:

   • Acknowledges President Trump's decision to redesignate Nigeria as a CPC and calls for accountability from the Nigerian government for its role in religious persecution.

2. Humanitarian Assistance:

   • Urges the State Department to provide immediate humanitarian aid directly to faith-based organizations to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria's middle belt states.

3. Conditional Foreign Assistance:

   • Recommends that U.S. foreign assistance, including global health programs, be conditioned on Nigeria's actions to:
     • Prevent religious persecution.
     • Prosecute perpetrators of violence.
     • Address the needs of millions of IDPs.
     • Uphold constitutional protections for religious freedom.

4. Targeted Sanctions:

   • Calls for the imposition of targeted sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria, including:
     • Visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Act.
     • Sanctions against specific groups such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
     • Inclusion of Fulani-Ethnic Militias operating in Benue and Plateau States on the Entities of Particular Concern List under the International Religious Freedom Act.

5. Commitment to Religious Freedom:

   • Reaffirms the United States' commitment to promoting religious freedom and human rights as foundational principles of U.S. foreign policy.

Impact

The resolution aims to address the ongoing religious persecution in Nigeria and support the protection of religious freedoms. By calling for humanitarian assistance and sanctions, it seeks to hold accountable those responsible for violations and promote long-term peace and stability in the region. The resolution's provisions could significantly influence U.S. foreign policy and aid strategies concerning Nigeria.

Legislative Actions

• November 04, 2025: The resolution was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary for consideration.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith
  
• Cosponsor: Bill Huizenga
  

This resolution represents a significant step in addressing the humanitarian crisis and religious freedom violations in Nigeria, reflecting the U.S. government's stance on human rights and international religious freedom.