ECOWAS rejects claims of religious genocide in West Africa
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed deep concern over the increasing wave of terrorist attacks across parts of the region, including Nigeria, warning against misinformation that could inflame divisions among communities. US President Donald Trump had claimed that Christians in Nigeria are facing systematic persecution and mass killings and subsequently declared […]
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed deep concern over the increasing wave of terrorist attacks across parts of the region, including Nigeria, warning against misinformation that could inflame divisions among communities.
US President Donald Trump had claimed that Christians in Nigeria are facing systematic persecution and mass killings and subsequently declared it a Country of Particular Concern.
He had threatened to take some steps, including cutting all aid and possible military intervention to save Christians in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu had rejected the claims, insisting that the country remained a democracy grounded in constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and belief.
But Trump, unconvinced, had asked the US Department of War to prepare for possible action in Nigeria, to which the military responded by drafting contingency plans for potential strikes in Nigeria.
Speaking formally on the issue for the first time, President Tinubu, shortly before the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday said: “The most important thing is the fact that despite the political headwinds and the fear of our people, we will continue to engage with partners.
“We are engaging the world diplomatically, and we assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in this country.
“The task ahead is immense, but it is our resolve to move forward with unity and purpose, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Nigeria.”
In a communiqué issued in Abuja, the regional bloc urged the United Nations and international partners to intensify support for member states battling terrorist groups, whose activities have caused widespread devastation and loss of lives.
ECOWAS in the communiqué dated November 4, 2025, noted that extremist groups in the region have continued to target innocent civilians of all faiths — Muslims, Christians, and followers of other religions — stressing that such violence does not discriminate by religion, ethnicity, gender, or age.
The Commission dismissed as false and dangerous claims suggesting that terrorists are carrying out a genocide against any particular religious group, warning that such narratives could undermine social cohesion and exacerbate insecurity.
“ECOWAS strongly rejects these false and dangerous claims that seek to deepen insecurity in communities and weaken social cohesion in the region,” the statement read.
The regional body called on the global community to stand in solidarity with West African nations in their collective fight against terrorism and violent extremism targeting all communities.