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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected assertions that any religious group in the region is being subjected to genocide, saying such allegations aim to undermine the bloc’s unity.
In a communique released late Tuesday on its X account, ECOWAS said the claims seek to exacerbate insecurity across West Africa. It stressed that perpetrators strike innocent civilians from all faiths; Muslims, Christians and followers of other religions and noted that independent reports over the years confirm terrorist violence does not discriminate by gender, religion, ethnicity or age.
The regional body urged the United Nations and international partners to back Member States in their counter-terrorism efforts and to dismiss suggestions that these groups single out any one community or that a genocide is taking place.
ECOWAS described such accusations as false and dangerous, warning that they risk deepening insecurity and eroding social cohesion.
The communique closed by calling on the global community to support countries in the region as they confront terrorism that affects all communities.
The statement followed US President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians, and his threats of possible military action if the Nigerian government did not address the matter.
The Nigerian Government has denied the allegations and reaffirmed its commitment to religious freedom.
