On 6 July 2026, the European Parliament adopted a resolution strongly condemning the 21-22 June 2026 Kawel village massacre in Nigeria, which killed 23 people, including Reverend Markus Azi and an army officer. The resolution, tabled by Silvia Sardone and others on behalf of the PfE Group, declares that the systematic targeting of Christians in Plateau State and Nigeria's Middle Belt constitutes Islamist persecution with genocidal characteristics. It calls for independent investigations into the attack and allegations that nearby security forces failed to respond, and demands prosecution of perpetrators, commanders, financiers, and accomplices. The Parliament also urges Nigeria to uphold freedom of religion or belief and ensure no law discriminates against Christians or other religious minorities. It welcomes US-Nigeria operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other ISIS-linked groups, and urges intensified action against their leadership, financing, and weapons networks. The resolution calls on the EU and Member States to recognise the Islamist persecution and risk of genocide in dialogue with Nigeria, and asks Europe's special envoy for freedom of expression, Mairead McGuinness, to take a special commitment against the persecution of Christians.
The resolution impacts Nigerian Christian communities, who face ongoing violence, and the Nigerian government, which is urged to improve security and accountability. It also calls on EU institutions to prioritise religious freedom in foreign policy. The resolution is a parliamentary position that does not create binding obligations but sets political direction for EU engagement with Nigeria.