The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has refuted allegations of a Christian genocide in Nigeria. It recently described the accusation as an intentional attempt to sow division and undermine social harmony across West Africa.
In a communiqué released hours ago, ECOWAS shared that extremist networks within parts of the subregion, including Nigeria, have been targeting Muslims as well, not just Christians.
The bloc urged the United Nations and international partners to join hands with member states to combat terrorism and debunk as false any narratives that suggest that militant groups are waging war against a particular faith.
ECOWAS stated that the reality is terrorist-related violence rarely discriminates on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity or age.
“As independent reports have confirmed over the years, terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity or age.
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,” it read.
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The Economic Community of West African States further appealed to the international community to keep standing with West African nations in their joint efforts against violent extremism.
ECOWAS concluded by reiterating that the Christian genocide allegation levelled against Nigeria is not true.
“ECOWAS strongly rejects these false and dangerous claims that seek to deepen insecurity in communities and weaken social cohesion in the region,” it added.
