By Ndubueze Nwosu and Remi Olatunde
In many parts of Africa, religious violence has long been a problem, and conflicts involving religion are frequently the result of long-standing historical, ethnic, and sociopolitical problems. Several programs and policies that were put into place under President Donald Trump’s administration helped to reduce religious violence everywhere—including in Africa—both directly and indirectly.
For example, in the 2024 Annual Report, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) last weekend recommended the U.S. Department of State to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) “for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom.”
The USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the US Congress to monitor, analyze and report on religious freedom abroad.
In this article, we therefore reflect on certain programs and their effects and how President Trump’s reelection could carry out and even improve these initiatives.
Encouraging World Religious Freedom
Globally, promoting religious freedom was one of the Trump administration’s core principles. The “International Religious Freedom Act” was signed into law by Trump in 2018, solidifying American foreign policy’s central principle of promoting religious freedom. As a result of this act, a coalition of nations committed to combating religious persecution and advancing religious liberty was established: the International Religious Freedom Alliance.
The United States of America urged other nations to uphold religious liberty by utilizing penalties, economic incentives, and diplomatic pressure. In Africa, where religious conflicts frequently become violent, this policy had a big influence. The United States was instrumental in lowering religious violence and promoting interfaith communication by keeping governments responsible and aiding civil society organizations.
Identifying the Nations That Need Special Concern
The “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) designation, which recognizes countries with serious breaches of religious freedom, was used by the Trump administration. Due to persistent acts of violence and religious persecution, several African nations, including Nigeria and Sudan, were labeled as CPCs. With this designation, the United States was able to address these issues diplomatically and with targeted sanctions.
For instance, in Nigeria, the CPC label attracted attention from around the world to the atrocities committed against Christian villages by Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen. The Nigerian government stepped up its efforts to counter these risks and safeguard vulnerable communities as a result of pressure from the United States. Trump’s reelection would probably carry on this tactic, guaranteeing ongoing attention to and action about religious violence in Africa.
Assistance with Security
The United States gave major security support to African countries struggling with terrorism and religious strife under the Trump administration. This support came in the form of equipment to aid local troops in their fight against terrorist organizations, military training, and intelligence sharing. For example, in the battle against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin, the United States of America provided support to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
Enhanced military collaboration with African countries enhanced their capacity to counteract acts of violence driven by religious beliefs. If a re-elected Trump administration carried out these goals, it would probably strengthen these initiatives by giving African nations the means to fight terrorism and safeguard religious groups.
Programs for Economic Assistance and Development
Economic instability frequently plays a role in religious violence because radicalization can be fueled by poverty and a lack of opportunities. After realizing this connection, the Trump government launched development initiatives meant to strengthen the financial standing of weaker areas. Launched in 2019, the “Prosper Africa” program sought to promote economic growth and stability by increasing investment and commerce between the United States and African nations.
The Trump administration also backed programs that aimed to empower women economically, such as the “Women’s Global Development and Prosperity” (W-GDP) initiative. These initiatives indirectly assisted in lowering religious violence by addressing some of its underlying causes through the advancement of economic growth and the alleviation of poverty.
Encouraging Peace Accords
Another essential component of the Trump administration’s strategy for reducing acts of religious violence was diplomatic engagement. American ambassadors actively participated in settling disputes and promoting peace accords throughout Africa. For instance, the U.S. assisted in mediating the cease-fire between the rival groups in South Sudan, which contained aspects of violence based on religion and ethnicity.
If President Trump is re-elected, there will probably be more intensive U.S. diplomacy in Africa, employing its clout to force belligerents to the bargaining table and bolstering initiatives aimed at establishing enduring peace.
Encouragement of Interfaith Discussion
One of the main tenets of the Trump administration’s policy to lessen religious violence was encouraging interfaith communication. The United States promoted collaboration and understanding amongst leaders of various religious communities by endorsing efforts that did just that. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other organizations funded programs that aided in the facilitation of discussions and initiatives that supported religious tolerance and peace building.
For example, USAID funded initiatives in Nigeria that promoted communication between the Muslim and Christian communities, easing tensions and fostering trust. Should Trump be reelected, carrying out these initiatives would improve ties between faiths and lessen incidents of religious conflict.
Fighting Radical Ideology
As a major contributor to religious violence, the Trump administration made fighting ideological extremism a top priority. Supporting moderate religious voices and opposing extreme propaganda were among the initiatives. To fight extremist narratives and advance moderate religious interpretations, the United States collaborated with African governments and civil society organizations to develop initiatives.
Deradicalization and reintegration initiatives for ex-extremists were also very important. Initiatives sponsored by the United States aimed at deradicalizing terrorists and reintegrating them into society were implemented in nations such as Somalia, where Al-Shabaab has utilized religious discourse to legitimize violence. If Trump were to win reelection, carrying out these initiatives would strengthen the fight against the spread of extremist ideology in Africa.
Encouraging Youth and Education Initiatives
The Trump administration also made investments in youth initiatives and education to address the underlying roots of religious conflict. The United States sought to lessen the attraction of extremist organizations that prey on poverty and lack of chances by giving young people access to education and economic opportunities.
U.S.-funded initiatives improved youth vocational training and educational facilities in nations like Mali and Niger. These programs not only made the populace more educated and robust, but they also lessened the chance that young people would be lured into radical organizations. If President Trump is re-elected, these initiatives will probably continue, which will help with long-term attempts to reduce acts of religious violence.
Giving Aid to the Needy
To support populations impacted by acts of religious violence, the Trump administration took the initiative to provide humanitarian aid. Aid for refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) who were escaping extreme violence was part of this. Humanitarian relief initiatives supplied necessities like food, housing, and healthcare while also assisting in the stabilization of impacted populations.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), for instance, where millions have been forced to flee their homes due to religious and ethnic violence, U.S. humanitarian aid has been essential in mitigating suffering and averting further radicalization. If Trump is re-elected, there’s a good chance that strong humanitarian assistance will continue, meeting the urgent needs of victims of acts of religious violence.
Supporting Reconciliation and Reconstruction
The Trump administration backed initiatives to encourage peacemaking and reconstruction in places that had experienced conflict, in addition to providing emergency humanitarian help. Rebuilding infrastructure, reestablishing community trust, and promoting social cohesiveness were among the key initiatives that kept violence from rising again.
The United States’ backing of efforts aimed at promoting reconciliation has assisted in mending the social fabric and fostering peace in regions such as the Central African Republic (CAR), where religious conflict has caused divisions among communities. To ensure lasting peace and reduce future acts of religious violence, it would be imperative that such efforts receive ongoing backing should Trump be reelected.
In conclusion, the administration of President Trump’s policies and activities had a notable effect on reducing religious violence in Africa. To lower religious tensions and promote peace, the United States played a critical role in encouraging religious freedom, delivering economic and military support, intervening diplomatically, addressing the underlying causes of extremism, and providing humanitarian help.
Should President Trump be re-elected, these initiatives might be strengthened and continued, guaranteeing that resources and ongoing attention are focused on reducing religious conflict in Africa. Even though there are still obstacles to overcome, the approaches used so far have shown promise in tackling the complicated problem of religious violence and continuing them would be a step in the right direction toward a more stable and peaceful Africa.
Ndubueze Nwosu and Remi Olatunde are Conveners, Africa for Trump Advocacy Group (anrcosultltd@gmail.com)
