The United States on Wednesday said it is restricting entry to people “believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria” and their family members in the run-up to that country’s elections next month.
“Additional persons who undermine the democratic process in Nigeria – including in the lead-up to, during and following Nigeria’s 2023 elections – may be found ineligible for US visas under this policy,” said a statement from the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken.
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria will step down after serving two four-year terms and hand over to the winner of a 25 February 2023 ballot or run-off.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is facing unprecedented insecurity in which its independent electoral commission has been targeted by violence, including the bombing last month of its headquarters in Imo State, south-eastern Nigeria.
“The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law,” Blinken wrote.
The visa restrictions are aimed at “certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria”, Blinken added.
The statement did not name any specific targets of the new policy, which would make individuals ineligible to travel to the United States.
Source: www.asaaseradio.com
