Author: The Nation

The national leadership of The Muslim Congress (TMC) and the Ulamah Wing of the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO) have expressed deep concern over what they described as the unbalanced and selective nature of the recent fact-finding visit by a United States congressional delegation to Nigeria.

In separate statements, both organisations criticised the delegation, sent to investigate alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria, for failing to adequately engage with Muslim leaders and communities in areas affected by violence.

The Amir TMC, Alhaji AbdulWasi’i Bangbala, stated that while international engagement on issues of security and human rights is welcome, such interventions must be rooted in impartiality, mutual respect, and a full understanding of Nigeria’s diverse social and religious makeup.

He said it was troubling that the delegation held high-profile meetings exclusively with Christian religious leaders and a traditional ruler in Benue State, while completely ignoring the leadership of the Nigerian Muslim community.

Noting that omission undermines diplomatic protocol, credibility, the Congress described the omission as a serious lapse in diplomatic protocol and an act that undermines the credibility of any fact-finding or peace-building mission, calling for a more balanced and inclusive approach in future international engagements, especially on sensitive issues that affect Nigeria’s religious and ethnic harmony.

Amir said the approach creates the regrettable perception that the U.S. congressional delegation entered Nigeria with a predetermined narrative, rather than a genuine intention to understand the complex, multifaceted realities on the ground.

“By omitting dialogue with key institutions such as the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the paramount body representing the Muslim community, and by failing to engage with Muslim victims of violence across various regions, the delegation’s so-called fact-finding mission appears incomplete at best,” the statement added.

TMC warned that such selective engagement undermines the very objectives of peace and stability that the delegation claims to promote. It noted that this kind of imbalance inadvertently strengthens divisive narratives and fuels inter-communal mistrust, particularly at a time when inclusive dialogue is most needed.

“We are compelled to ask what criteria informed the decision to exclude recognised national Muslim leadership from the delegation’s itinerary. What steps will be taken to ensure such exclusion does not recur?” the statement queried.

The groups, however, emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the formation of U.S. foreign policy discourse on Nigeria, urging that it remain objective, balanced, and free from the undue influence of domestic partisan or ideological advocacy groups.

“Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. Any constructive international partnership must be anchored in fairness and a genuine respect for that diversity. Anything less diminishes the credibility of such engagement and does a disservice to all Nigerians, Muslim and Christian alike, who are united in their pursuit of justice, security, and peaceful coexistence”, it added.

Bangbala, however, reiterated TMC’s unwavering commitment to interfaith harmony, justice for all victims of violence, and a stronger, united Nigeria.

“We stand ready for dialogue with any international actor whose approach reflects professionalism, balance, and respect for the complexity of Nigerian society. We therefore urge future diplomatic missions to adopt an inclusive, broad-based engagement strategy, one that listens to all Nigerian voices without bias,” it concluded.

Also reacting, Chairman of the Ulamau Wing, Sheikh Abdur Rahman Ahmad, and Secretary General of the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Luqman Balogun, emphasised the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that such issues cannot be understood through a singular religious lens.

“It has come to our attention that the US delegation reportedly focused its consultation solely on Christian leaders and traditional rulers, conspicuously excluding representatives of the Muslim community residing in the same violence-affected areas.

“This unilateral approach is highly regrettable and undermines the very objective of a comprehensive, impartial fact-finding mission,” he said.

The Muslim body stressed that any credible investigation must include engagement with all major stakeholders affected by the conflict. By excluding the Muslim populace, the delegation, according to the CIO, overlooked critical perspectives and testimonies relevant to understanding the full scope of the violence.

They further noted that Nigeria’s crisis often stems from resource-based conflicts, criminal activities, and inter-communal clashes that cut across religious divides, with many documented cases of Muslims also falling victim to attacks, abductions, and killings by various armed groups.

The CIO warned that the delegation’s limited consultation risks validating pre-existing, often simplified, narratives about the conflict that circulate internationally.

“Limiting consultations to only one side of the religious divide risks validating pre-existing narratives and may inadvertently create a report that lacks objectivity and fairness,” the organisation stated.