The US Government has announced visa restrictions for Nigerians who have been accused of electoral violence during the 2019 general elections held in the country.

Without publishing names in its press statement, the embassy said the affected individuals have undermined democratic principles and human rights. However, the spokesperson for the Department of State emphasised that the actions announced are specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people en masse.

This announcement follows the Nigerian President’s submission of a list of ministerial nominees to the country’s National Assembly for approval by its senate.

Nigeria’s President Buhari was sworn back into power on May 29, 2019, after a turbulent election, characterised by electoral violence and a clampdown on citizens.

This incident has still not been addressed by the government or the country’s electoral body, whose staff allegedly suffered harassment during the period as well. Over 39 people were killed, according to the Nigeria Civil Society coalition, Situation Room.

This is a replica of the visa ban enforced by the US department to officials who were involved in election misconduct in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The officials included Corneille Nangaa, president of the Independent National Election Commission, Constitutional Court President, Benoit Lwamba Bindu and Aubin Minaku Ndjalandjoko, president of the National Assembly and other military and government officials, over human rights abuses related to the election.

The US Department of State did not reveal whether they will release the names of the affected in Nigeria or not. But, if reactions on Twitter are anything to go by, Nigerians are definitely curious about who the officials involved are.

In January, the UK government and the US announced that they were considering sanctions against anyone who commits electoral violence. The ban will be extended to their family members as well who may be affected by the travel restrictions. We don’t know if the UK government will work the path of that of the US.