By Gloria Nosa
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claim of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing the statement as divisive, misleading, and dangerous to regional stability and social cohesion.
In an official communiqué issued on Tuesday, ECOWAS warned that such rhetoric risks inflaming tensions and undermining collective peace efforts across the subregion. The body emphasized that terrorist and extremist groups operating in parts of West Africa, including Nigeria, have indiscriminately targeted people of all faiths — Christians, Muslims, and adherents of traditional religions alike.
“As independent reports have consistently shown over the years, violence from extremist elements does not discriminate by religion, ethnicity, gender, or age,” the statement read.
The regional bloc urged the United Nations and other international partners to disregard any narratives portraying ongoing insecurity as a one-sided religious conflict, reaffirming that no genocide is taking place against a particular faith group in Nigeria or the wider region.
“ECOWAS calls on global partners to support member states in their fight against terrorism and to treat as false any claims that suggest militant groups are targeting one religion,” the communiqué added. “These misleading and dangerous statements only serve to deepen insecurity and weaken community trust.”
ECOWAS further appealed to the international community to remain steadfast in supporting West African nations in their shared battle against terrorism, radicalization, and violent extremism, stressing that unity and factual reporting are critical to maintaining peace in the region.
Trump’s controversial comments — which included threats of possible military intervention and suspension of U.S. aid to Nigeria — have drawn widespread criticism, with analysts warning they could exacerbate existing tensions and fuel extremist propaganda narratives in West Africa.
