The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed deep concern over the increasing wave of terrorist attacks across parts of the region, including Nigeria, warning against misinformation that could inflame divisions among communities.
In a communiqué issued in Abuja, the regional bloc urged the United Nations and international partners to intensify support for member states battling terrorist groups, whose activities have caused widespread devastation and loss of lives.
ECOWAS noted that extremist groups in the region have continued to target innocent civilians of all faiths — Muslims, Christians, and followers of other religions — stressing that such violence does not discriminate by religion, ethnicity, gender, or age.
The Commission dismissed as false and dangerous claims suggesting that terrorists are carrying out a genocide against any particular religious group, warning that such narratives could undermine social cohesion and exacerbate insecurity.
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“ECOWAS strongly rejects these false and dangerous claims that seek to deepen insecurity in communities and weaken social cohesion in the region,” the statement read.
The regional body called on the global community to stand in solidarity with West African nations in their collective fight against terrorism and violent extremism targeting all communities.
