Read State DEPT Calls Group in Nigeria Terrorists, by Eric Schmitt, at New York Times.
"The State Department on Wednesday branded Boko Haram, the homegrown Islamist insurgent movement in Nigeria that has ties to Al Qaeda’s regional affiliate in North and West Africa, as a foreign terrorist organization.
"The designation allows the United States to freeze assets, impose travel bans on known members and affiliates, and prohibit Americans from offering material support to the organization, which the State Department says is responsible for thousands of deaths in northeast and central Nigeria over the last several years including targeted killings of civilians...
"...Administration officials said on Wednesday that the move would help Nigeria combat a growing menace that also threatened American citizens and investment in Nigeria. But many Africa scholars say that branding Boko Haram a terrorist organization will only enhance the group’s international stature with jihadists and help its recruiting efforts."
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International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #241
Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Media Contact: Henry Jones, Public Relations Directorpress@persecution.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
US Finally Recognizes Nigerian Islamist Groups as Foreign Terror Organizations
Boko Haram and Ansaru Receive FTO Designation for Brutal Campaign of Religious Cleansing
11/19/2013
Washington, DC
International Christian Concern
International Christian Concern celebrates the official designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as foreign terrorist organizations (FTO) by the United States Government. Earlier this week, both the White House and the State Department issued statements announcing the designation and the imposition of sanctions against both Islamist groups, who are waging campaigns of religious cleansing against Christians and moderate Muslims in an effort to establish Sharia rule in Northern Nigeria. The FTO designation enables U.S. law enforcement and the Treasury department to better combat the organizations' support and financing networks.
The designations are seen as a victory for a broad coalition of religious and human rights groups, including International Christian Concern (ICC), who have advocated this action. As an integral part of this coalition, ICC held 27 meetings with government officials, facilitated a letter to the Secretary of State from the Congress demanding these groups be classified as terrorist organizations, and regularly advocated for action at the State Department. The FTO designations were announced just before a Congressional hearing was to take place which would have graphically highlighted the abuses and security threats posed by the two Islamist groups.
ICC recognizes and expresses gratitude for the contributions of our volunteers, partner organizations, and the Members of Congress which actively supported this effort. However, as Nigeria expert Emmanuel Ogebe highlights, there is still much more to be done in order for the United States to effectively assist Nigeria in combatting the threat posed by these organizations. In his Congressional testimony, Ogebe stated that:
- The U.S. State Department in its official reports and statements has denied the
religious motivation of Boko Haram, despite its repeatedly declared goal of
overthrowing the State and establishing a radical Muslim theocracy. To claim
that religion is not the core issue in the extreme violence
perpetrated by this terrorist group is disingenuous, deeply insensitive to
victims, and impairs U.S. threat analysis.
- Prior to today's designation, the State Department has downplayed the fact
that Boko Haram has attacked U.S. citizens which places more Americans,
including diplomats, at risk.
- The U.S. has lagged behind in providing humanitarian assistance, and has failed
to encourage the Nigerian government to assist or provide compensation to
victims. - Nigeria is a strategic security partner both regionally and globally, and currently participates in nine U.N. peacekeeping operations worldwide.
Cameron Thomas, ICC's Africa Regional Manager, added that "The designation of Boko Haram and it's Ansaru splinter as FTO's is certainly a long-overdue first step in attuning American policy to combat religious cleansing of Christians in Nigeria. However, much more remains to be done if the Obama administration is truly serious about ending the religicide there. We applaud this proclamation, but will continue to advocate for further action."
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