The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has firmly rejected claims that terrorist attacks in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa are aimed specifically at Christians, insisting that victims of extremist violence come from all religious backgrounds.
In a statement released on Monday, the regional bloc described as “false and dangerous” the recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and threatening possible U.S. military intervention.
Terrorism Not Faith-Driven, ECOWAS Says
According to ECOWAS, the surge in terrorist incidents across the region has affected Muslims, Christians, and adherents of traditional beliefs alike.
The organisation stressed that the motivations behind these attacks are not religious but are instead rooted in efforts to destabilise communities and governments.
“Perpetrators of this violence target innocent civilians of all faiths — Muslims, Christians, and others. Evidence from independent reports over the years confirms that terrorism in our region does not discriminate based on religion, gender, or ethnicity,” the Commission said.
Warning Against Dangerous Misinformation
ECOWAS cautioned against what it described as attempts to “distort the realities” of insecurity in West Africa, warning that such narratives could inflame tensions and derail peacebuilding efforts.
“These false and divisive claims risk deepening insecurity and weakening social cohesion at a time when unity is most needed,” the statement added.
Call for Global Support
While acknowledging that the region continues to battle terrorism and violent extremism, the Commission reiterated that these acts are aimed at destabilising states — not exterminating any religious group.
ECOWAS urged the United Nations, international partners, and global leaders to focus on supporting West African nations in their collective fight against terrorism rather than amplifying sectarian narratives.
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“We call on the entire international community to stand in solidarity with West African countries confronting terrorism that affects all communities equally,” ECOWAS concluded.
Before Now
West Africa has faced a surge in terrorist activities in recent years, particularly in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin regions. Armed groups affiliated with the Islamic State and al-Qaeda have carried out numerous attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and humanitarian workers.
Despite the religious rhetoric often used by extremist groups, analysts note that their primary objectives remain political and territorial rather than faith-based.
