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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dismissed allegations of religious genocide in the region, describing them as misleading narratives capable of deepening insecurity and sowing discord among communities.
In a communiqué issued in Abuja and dated November 4, 2025, the regional bloc expressed concern over the resurgence of terrorist attacks across parts of West Africa, including Nigeria, urging caution against misinformation that could inflame religious or ethnic tensions.
The statement followed recent remarks by former United States President Donald Trump, who alleged that Christians in Nigeria were facing systematic persecution and mass killings. Trump had reportedly described Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and threatened possible U.S. military intervention.
President Bola Tinubu swiftly rejected the claims, insisting that Nigeria remains a democracy founded on the principles of religious freedom and tolerance.
Speaking at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, President Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to unity and peace.
“Despite political headwinds and public fear, we will continue to engage global partners. The task ahead is immense, but our resolve remains firm — to build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
ECOWAS, in its communiqué, condemned terrorism in all forms, stressing that extremist groups have targeted innocent civilians irrespective of faith, ethnicity, or gender.
“The violence being witnessed across the region does not discriminate by religion or ethnicity. ECOWAS strongly rejects these false and dangerous claims that seek to weaken social cohesion and destabilize the region,” the statement added.
The Commission also urged the United Nations and international partners to scale up support for member states battling terrorist networks that have wreaked havoc across the Sahel and coastal regions.
It called for renewed global solidarity with West African nations in their collective fight against terrorism and violent extremism, emphasizing that peace and stability in the region require cooperation, not division.
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