ECOWAS denounces escalating terror attacks, dismisses genocide claims

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the growing wave of terrorist attacks across the region and called on the United Nations and other international partners to step up support for affected member states, including Nigeria.

In a communiqué, the regional bloc said recent assaults by armed groups have indiscriminately targeted civilians—irrespective of religion, ethnicity, gender, or age—citing multiple independent reports confirming the trend.

ECOWAS strongly dismissed what it described as “false and dangerous claims” that extremist groups are singling out specific religious communities or that a genocide is being perpetrated against any faith group.

The organization warned that such narratives could inflame divisions and undermine regional peace and unity.

“ECOWAS calls on the international community to stand with West African nations in their fight against terrorism that affects all communities,” the statement read.

The appeal follows a sharp rise in attacks linked to extremist factions active in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin regions.