In an article published recently in Providence, RFI Executive Vice President Eric Patterson explains that “violence against Nigerian Christians has recently entered a new, deadlier phase.” The situation is dire, and unless “conditions on the ground change,” Patterson writes, “Nigeria’s Middle Belt Christians face death or expulsion in many areas.”

In addition to the horrific violence within the country, there are a range of broader strategic concerns to consider as well. Escalating instability and violence in Nigeria, Patterson observes, will have implications throughout the region: 

Nigeria is a beautiful country with tens of millions of people who do not want to see their neighborhood, and their country, fall into chaos and violence. The international community must take a stand, lest Nigeria disintegrate and cause regional shockwaves that would cause far more death and destruction than we saw when Libya or South Sudan unraveled.

Read the full article: Violence against Nigerian Christians Risks Destabilizing West Africa