The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dismissed recent allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing the claims as false, divisive, and dangerous.
In a communiqué released on Tuesday, the regional bloc warned that such allegations are aimed at fueling insecurity and undermining social cohesion across West Africa.
According to ECOWAS, terrorist groups in the region — including those operating in Nigeria — have attacked civilians of all faiths, not just Christians.
“As independent reports have confirmed, terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity, or age,” ECOWAS stated.
The body urged the United Nations and international partners to ignore misleading claims and instead continue supporting West African governments in their fight against terrorism.
“ECOWAS strongly rejects these false and divisive narratives that seek to deepen insecurity in communities and weaken social cohesion in the region,” the communiqué added.
The regional bloc reaffirmed its commitment to assist member states tackling insurgent violence and called for global solidarity in countering terrorism in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
This statement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump alleged that Christians were being “massacred” in Nigeria. Trump also threatened to withdraw U.S. aid over the reported killings — a move that has stirred global debate.
ECOWAS, however, emphasized that the conflict in northern Nigeria and other parts of West Africa is not religiously motivated, but driven by terrorism, poverty, and weak governance.
Security experts also echoed ECOWAS’s position, warning that spreading false religious narratives could escalate tensions between faith communities and destabilize fragile regions.