US approves arms sale to Nigeria despite human rights concerns

The approval comes after years of considerations about human rights abuses by Nigerian safety forces.

Nigerian soldiers are seen driving on a military vehicle in Ngamdu, Nigeria, on November 3, 2020
Nigerian troopers are seen driving on a navy car in Ngamdu, Nigeria, on November 3, 2020 [File: Audu Marte / AFP]

America has accepted an almost $1bn weapons sale to Nigeria after legislators had put a maintain on the deal over considerations about doable human rights abuses by the Nigerian authorities.

In July, the Senate International Relations Committee and the Home of Representatives International Affairs Committee put a maintain on the sale of 12 AH-1Z Cobra assault helicopters made by Bell.

On Thursday, the US Division of State made the dedication that it might approve the sale of the assault helicopters value $997m.

“This proposed sale will help the overseas coverage targets and nationwide safety aims of america by enhancing the safety of a strategic associate in Sub-Saharan Africa,” an announcement concerning the sale stated.

Nigeria has been battling rising armed robberies and kidnappings for ransom in locations the place thinly deployed safety forces have struggled to include the affect of armed gangs.

Analysts have additionally stated that the persevering with invasion of Ukraine may result in Nigeria sourcing arms imports from China because of sanctions on Russia and Belarus, which have had navy partnerships with the West African state beforehand.

US officers have complained of “extreme pressure” by Nigerian navy forces on unarmed civilians and known as for restraint after troopers in October 2020 opened fireplace on protesters demonstrating towards police brutality in Lagos.

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