By Kunle Sanni –
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the rising wave of terrorist attacks across the region, including in Nigeria, while rejecting claims that the violence constitutes genocide against any religious group.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the regional bloc expressed concern over the increasing activities of extremist groups in parts of West Africa, warning that the attacks target civilians indiscriminately, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or gender.
“ECOWAS wishes to draw the attention of partners and the international community to the growing level of violence perpetrated by terrorist groups of different affiliations in some countries in the region, including Nigeria,” the statement said.
The organisation stressed that reports suggesting a genocide against Christians or any religious group in Nigeria or the wider region are false and dangerous, noting that such narratives risk inflaming tensions and undermining social cohesion.
“As independent reports have confirmed over the years, terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of religion, ethnicity, gender, or age,” ECOWAS stated. “We strongly reject these false and divisive claims that seek to deepen insecurity and weaken unity within our communities.”
The bloc also urged the United Nations and international partners to intensify support for member states in their ongoing efforts to counter violent extremism and strengthen regional security.
“ECOWAS calls on the international community to stand with countries in the region in their fight against terrorism, which affects all communities,” the statement added.
The remarks came amid renewed controversy following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments labelling Nigeria a “country of particular concern.” Trump had accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christian communities and warned that the U.S. could cut assistance or consider military action if the alleged killings continued.
