US flags civilian deaths, funding gaps as Nigeria pushes for CPC delisting
Nigeria is pushing to be removed from the US Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list, citing the prosecution of hundreds of terror suspects and the recruitment of 50,000 police officers. The United States, however, said continuing civilian casualties and funding gaps remain obstacles to delisting.
The Nigerian government is pressing for the country's removal from the US State Department's Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list, pointing to progress in its counterterrorism campaign. Officials say hundreds of terror suspects have been prosecuted and 50,000 new police officers have joined the security forces.
US officials acknowledged that progress while flagging continuing civilian casualties and funding shortfalls in security operations as unresolved concerns. Washington said any decision on delisting would depend on how these issues are addressed going forward.
The CPC designation applies to countries assessed as having engaged in severe violations of religious freedom, and remaining on the list can carry diplomatic and economic consequences for Nigeria. Talks between the two governments are expected to continue in the coming months.
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