ECOWAS Condemns Terror Attacks, Dismisses Claims of Religious Genocide.
By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a strong communiqué denouncing the growing wave of terrorist violence across the region, calling on global partners and the United Nations to unite in supporting Member States battling insurgent groups.
The regional Institution raised concern over the increasing level of violence unleashed by terrorist factions in parts of West Africa, including Nigeria, stressing that the perpetrators deliberately target innocent civilians irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or gender.
ECOWAS warned against the spread of misinformation suggesting that terrorist groups are conducting genocidal attacks against any specific religious group, describing such claims as false, divisive, and dangerous.
^Terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity or age,” the Commission stated, rejecting narratives that attempt to inflame tensions or weaken social cohesion in affected communities.»
The statement emphasized that attacks by extremist groups are indiscriminate and designed to destabilize nations, undermine unity, and sow distrust among religious communities.
Reiterating its solidarity with affected countries, ECOWAS urged the international community to “stand by the countries in the region in their fight against terrorism that targets all communities.”
The communiqué, issued in Abuja today 4th November 2025 underscores ECOWAS’ commitment to a collective regional and international response to terrorism and violent extremism that continue to threaten peace and development across West Africa.
