By: Manoah Kikekon
 |
| Meloni Takes |
In a firm international stance, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has publicly denounced the violent attacks targeting Christian communities in Nigeria. She has called upon the Nigerian government to take decisive action by prosecuting those responsible for these acts of violence.
Issuing a formal statement, Prime Minister Meloni emphasized that "religious freedom is an inalienable right." She explicitly urged Nigerian authorities to "strengthen the protection of Christian communities and all religious communities" and to ensure justice for what she described as a "heinous attack."
The Italian leader also expressed her nation's solidarity, stating, "Italy expresses its closeness to the victims and communities in Nigeria that today feel in danger because of their religious beliefs."
This condemnation from Italy arrives amidst growing international concern over the safety of religious minorities in Nigeria. The situation has prompted strong reactions from figures abroad, including several U.S. lawmakers who have labeled the crisis a "Christian genocide" a characterization the administration of President Bola Tinubu has consistently and strongly denied.
The issue has had significant diplomatic repercussions, influencing the United States' prior decision under the Trump administration to designate Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" regarding religious freedom.