The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said the reports of alleged terrorist attacks targeting Christians in Nigeria are false.
The commission, which made this known in a statement, noted that terrorists usually target innocent civilians of all religious denominations, including Muslims, Christians, and adherents to other religions.
The ECOWAS statement follows recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, citing alleged genocidal killings against Christians in Nigeria.
ECOWAS, therefore, urged the United Nations and the entire international community to treat as false any claims that terrorist groups target one group, or that there is a genocide against any religious group in the sub-region.
“The Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS) wishes to draw the attention of partners and the international community as a whole to the growing level of violence that terrorist groups of different coloration have perpetrated in some countries in the West African region, including Nigeria.
“Perpetrators of this violence target innocent civilians of all religious denominations, including Muslims, Christians, and adherents to other religions.
“As independent reports have confirmed over the years, terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity or age,” the statement said.
ECOWAS urged partners to support its Member States in their fight against terrorism, adding that the “false and dangerous claims” only aimed to deepen insecurity and weaken social cohesion in the region.
“ECOWAS calls on the whole world to stand by the countries in the region in their fight against terrorism that targets all communities,” the statement added.
The U.S. President, Donald Trump, who also designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), had warned that the genocidal killings could lead to the suspension of U.S. assistance or military action against terrorist groups.
CPC designation is Washington’s powerful instrument for expressing disapproval of a nation’s human rights record, which can culminate in diplomatic pressure, restricted access to U.S. aid, and sanctions against the country.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has dismissed the U.S. designation as inaccurate, and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens, maintaining religious freedom, and tackling violent extremism.
