The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has firmly dismissed allegations of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, stating that such claims are misleading, inflammatory, and capable of deepening insecurity across the region.
In a communiqué issued on Tuesday, November 4, the regional bloc condemned what it described as deliberate attempts to sow division and undermine social harmony in West Africa.
ECOWAS clarified that extremist violence in parts of the subregion, including Nigeria, does not target any single religious group. The organization stressed that militant networks have attacked people of various faiths—Muslims, Christians, and adherents of traditional religions—without discrimination.
“As independent reports have consistently shown, terrorist violence does not differentiate based on religion, ethnicity, gender, or age,” the statement said.
The bloc dismissed the notion that extremist groups are waging war against a particular faith or that a genocide is occurring, urging the United Nations and international partners to disregard such narratives. Instead, it called for strengthened support to member states battling terrorism and violent extremism.
ECOWAS emphasized that “any claims suggesting that these terrorist groups target one religious group or that a genocide is taking place in the region are false and dangerous,” warning that such rhetoric only serves to escalate tensions and weaken community cohesion.
The organization appealed to the global community to maintain solidarity with West African nations as they confront terrorism collectively.
ECOWAS’ strong response follows recent controversy triggered by comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened possible military action and suspension of aid to Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians.
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