-
ECOWAS dismisses claims of genocide against Christians in the region.
-
Says violence affects Muslims, Christians, and others equally.
-
Calls on UN and global partners to treat such allegations as false.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected allegations of genocide against any religious group in the subregion, describing such claims as false and dangerous to regional stability.
In a statement released on Tuesday and posted on its official X handle, the regional body said the allegations were intended to distort social cohesion and worsen insecurity across West Africa.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
According to the communique, terrorist attacks in the region have never been limited to a single faith, as perpetrators target innocent civilians regardless of religion, gender, ethnicity, or age.
READ ALSO: ECOWAS Plans 260,000-Strong Counter-Terrorism Brigade to Tackle Regional Insecurity
The statement read, “Perpetrators of this violence target innocent civilians of all religious denominations including Muslims, Christians, and adherents to other religions. As independent reports have confirmed over the years, terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity, or age.”
ECOWAS urged the United Nations and international partners to stand with member states in combating terrorism and to disregard narratives suggesting that extremists are committing genocide against one religious group.
It added that such misinformation only deepens insecurity and weakens community unity across the region.
The communique followed comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged mass killings of Christians.
Trump had threatened to halt all U.S. aid to Nigeria and take military action if the government failed to stop the violence.
However, the Nigerian government dismissed the allegation, reaffirming its commitment to religious freedom and unity among all citizens.
