Keypoints:
- ECOWAS rebukes Trump’s Nigeria terror claims
- Says terrorism affects all religions equally
- Urges global partners to back counterterrorism efforts
THE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned remarks by US President Donald Trump alleging that terrorist attacks in Nigeria are specifically targeted at Christians, calling the claims ‘false and dangerous’.
In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, the ECOWAS Commission said such comments risk inflaming religious tension and undermining the region’s fragile peace efforts. It reaffirmed that violent extremist attacks across West Africa affect people of all faiths and backgrounds.
‘Terrorist-related violence does not discriminate based on gender, religion, ethnicity, or age,’ the bloc said. ‘Perpetrators target innocent civilians of all religious denominations, including Muslims, Christians, and followers of other beliefs.’
Regional body urges restraint and solidarity
ECOWAS appealed to the international community and the United Nations to reject what it termed ‘false narratives’ suggesting genocide against a specific religious group. Instead, it urged stronger global cooperation with West African states in the fight against terrorism.
‘ECOWAS calls on the UN and all partners to support member states in their fight against these groups and to treat as false any claims that these terrorist groups target one group,’ the statement read. The Commission added that such misinformation could ‘deepen insecurity and weaken social cohesion in the region’.
The regional body further pledged to engage international partners to draw attention to the worsening violence in some member states, including Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Nigeria rejects US designation
Trump’s comments were posted on his Truth Social account last Friday, alleging that ‘radical Islamists’ were slaughtering thousands of Christians in Nigeria and calling the country a ‘country of particular concern’.
Nigeria’s government swiftly dismissed the US designation as inaccurate, reaffirming its commitment to religious freedom and security for all citizens. Officials in Abuja said the country continues to combat violent extremism through security reforms and community-based peacebuilding efforts.
ECOWAS echoed that position, saying the bloc remains united in supporting Nigeria and other member states facing terrorist violence. It stressed that West Africa’s ongoing fight against extremist groups requires solidarity, not divisive rhetoric.
