A proposed bill in the United States Congress seeking to impose sanctions on former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and certain Fulani groups has generated widespread debate and scrutiny.
The legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (H.R. 7457), was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Republican lawmakers. The bill calls for targeted sanctions, including visa restrictions and asset freezes, against individuals and entities accused of involvement in religious persecution and violence in Nigeria.
Among those listed for potential sanctions are Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Fulani organisations such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. The bill also directs the U.S. Secretary of State to evaluate whether certain groups described as “Fulani ethnic nomad militias” meet the criteria for designation as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under U.S. law.
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Supporters of the legislation argue that escalating violence in parts of Nigeria, particularly attacks affecting Christian communities, constitutes severe violations of religious freedom. They maintain that stronger international accountability measures are necessary to deter further violence and protect vulnerable populations.
However, the proposal has attracted criticism from observers who caution against framing Nigeria’s complex security challenges along purely ethnic or religious lines. Analysts note that conflicts involving herders and farming communities are often driven by a mix of factors, including land disputes, banditry, criminal networks, and broader governance issues.
Critics warn that singling out specific ethnic associations or political figures without comprehensive judicial findings could complicate diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States. They also argue that oversimplification of Nigeria’s security dynamics may inflame tensions rather than contribute to lasting solutions.
The bill is currently at the proposal stage and must pass through committee review and secure approval from both chambers of the U.S. Congress before it can be signed into law by the U.S. President.
As discussions continue, the development has intensified conversations around international involvement in Nigeria’s internal security matters and the broader implications of foreign legislative actions on domestic political actors and socio-ethnic organisations.