The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has described claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria as false narratives intended to deepen insecurity and undermine social unity across the region.
In a communiqué issued on Tuesday, the regional body said that terrorist groups of varying ideologies have infiltrated several West African nations, including Nigeria, and have targeted civilians across all faiths — Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other religions alike.
“As independent reports have confirmed over the years, terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity or age,” the communiqué reads.
“ECOWAS calls on the United Nations and all partners to support Member States in their fight against these groups and to treat as false any claims that these terrorists’ groups target one group or that there is a genocide of one religious group in the region.
“ECOWAS strongly rejects these false and dangerous claims that seek to deepen insecurity in communities and weaken social cohesion in the region.”
The organisation urged the international community to stand in solidarity with affected countries as they continue combating terrorism.
The statement comes amid heightened global debate, following US President Donald Trump’s recent warning of possible military action and aid withdrawal should the Nigerian government “continue to allow the killing of Christians.”