The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has formally denied assertions regarding a genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
The area-wide group characterized such assertions as intentional efforts to create discord, exacerbate instability, and erode communal unity throughout West Africa.
Through a statement issued on Tuesday, November 4, the alliance discussed the character of radical aggression active in certain areas of the subregion, encompassing Nigeria.
ECOWAS declared without reservation that radical organizations have randomly attacked individuals from various religious backgrounds, encompassing Muslims, Christians, and adherents of indigenous beliefs.
“As independent reports have confirmed over the years, terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity or age,” the communiqué asserted.
The subregional entity proceeded to dismiss the storyline suggesting that armed factions are conducting hostilities solely against one religion or that a systematic extermination is taking place.
ECOWAS pressed the United Nations along with global allies to disregard these storylines and rather concentrate on supporting constituent countries in their fight against terror activities.
The alliance implored the UN and every collaborator to “treat as false any claims that these terrorists’ groups target one group or that there is a genocide of one religious group in the region.”
Moreover, ECOWAS “strongly rejects these false and dangerous claims that seek to deepen insecurity in communities and weaken social cohesion in the region,” the statement added.
The entity additionally implored the global audience to keep supporting West African countries in their collaborative endeavors opposing terror and radical extremism.
ECOWAS’ resolute stance arises as a reply to the latest dispute ignited by remarks from US President Donald Trump. Trump had warned of possible armed involvement and halting of assistance to Nigeria concerning the purported assaults on Christians.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
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