The United States government has introduced a new policy to impose visa restrictions on individuals responsible for attacks on Christians in Nigeria. The policy, announced by the US State Department, allows for the denial of visas to those who have participated in or supported abuses targeting people based on their faith. This move comes amid discussions with the Nigerian government on violent attacks by terror groups and extends to any country involved in violations of religious freedom.
In a separate development, Kenya’s parliament has accused British soldiers of decades of abuse and human rights violations linked to their training operations in the country. A 94-page report by the parliamentary Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations alleged widespread misconduct, including rape, assault, and environmental destruction, by the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (Batuk). The UK has expressed regret and promised to investigate new evidence, while Batuk maintains that high standards are maintained.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called for a war crimes investigation into an attack on the Zamzam internally displaced persons camp in North Darfur, which resulted in the deaths of civilians and the destruction of infrastructure. The organization reported that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) deliberately killed civilians, took hostages, and destroyed mosques, schools, and health clinics during the attack.
In other news, US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy with comments telling Somali immigrants to “go back to where they came from,” describing Somalia as a country “with no structure.” The remarks coincide with reports of a planned immigration enforcement operation targeting Minnesota’s large Somali community. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has downplayed the comments, while Minnesota officials have condemned the planned operation as discriminatory and harmful.
In Algeria, a court has sentenced French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes to 10 years in prison for “glorifying terrorism” and related charges. Gleizes was arrested in May 2024 while reporting on a football club and had entered the country on a tourist visa. Advocacy groups, including Reporters Without Borders, have argued that his detention reflects a misunderstanding of journalism and is exacerbated by diplomatic tensions between the French and Algerian governments.
These developments highlight ongoing concerns about human rights, religious freedom, and press freedom in various parts of the world. The international community is watching closely as governments and organizations respond to these issues, with many calling for greater accountability and protection for vulnerable populations.