The Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS) says claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria are aimed at deepening insecurity in communities and weakening social cohesion in the region.
In a communiqué issued on Tuesday, the regional bloc noted that terrorist groups of different colourations have penetrated some countries in West Africa, including Nigeria, and targeted civilians of all religious denominations, including Muslims, Christians, and adherents to other religions.
“As independent reports have confirmed over the years, terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity or age,” the communiqué reads.
“ECOWAS calls on the United Nations and all partners to support Member States in their fight against these groups and to treat as false any claims that these terrorists’ groups target one group or that there is a genocide of one religious group in the region.
“ECOWAS strongly rejects these false and dangerous claims that seek to deepen insecurity in communities and weaken social cohesion in the region.”
The organisation urged the global community to stand by countries in the region in their fight against terrorism.
The commission’s stance adds to a growing body of calls rejecting claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria.
US President Donald Trump had threatened military action and withdrawal of aid if the Nigerian government continued “to allow the killing of Christians”.
