ECOWAS Rejects Claims of Religious Genocide in West Africa
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has firmly dismissed allegations of genocide against any religious group in the region, stating such claims are designed to undermine the bloc’s social cohesion.
In a communique issued late Tuesday, the regional body argued that these accusations are intended to exacerbate the West African security crisis.
“Perpetrators of this violence target innocent civilians of all religious denominations, including Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other faiths,” ECOWAS stated in the communique posted on its official X account. “As independent reports have consistently confirmed over the years, terrorist-related violence does not discriminate based on gender, religion, ethnicity, or age.”
The bloc called on the United Nations and international partners to support member states in combating these groups and to treat as false any assertions that terrorists single out one religious community. “ECOWAS strongly rejects these dangerous falsehoods that seek to deepen insecurity and weaken social cohesion,” the statement continued, urging global support for regional counter-terrorism efforts that protect all communities.
READ ALSO: Trump Declares Nigeria A ‘Country Of Particular Concern,’ Says Killing Of Christians Mass Slaughter
Communiqué…. pic.twitter.com/Iu0VhBNg0H
— Ecowas – Cedeao (@ecowas_cedeao) November 4, 2025
The ECOWAS statement follows former US President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged genocide targeting Christians. Trump vowed military action if the Nigerian government failed to resolve the issue.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” he declared on Truth Social, adding that he had instructed the “Department of War” to prepare for “fast, vicious, and sweet” potential action.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has denied these claims, reaffirming its commitment to religious freedom.