ECOWAS Condemns Rising Terror Attacks in West Africa, Rejects Claims of Targeted Genocide
Abuja, Nigeria | November 5, 2025
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a strong condemnation of the escalating wave of terrorist attacks sweeping across West Africa, calling on the United Nations and international partners to step up support for member states confronting the crisis.
In a communiqué released on Wednesday, the regional body expressed grave concern over the growing threat posed by armed groups that continue to carry out deadly assaults on communities across the region — including in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
ECOWAS stressed that these attacks are indiscriminate, targeting civilians regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, or age. Citing years of independent reports, the organization reiterated that “terrorist-related violence does not discriminate,” countering narratives that attempt to frame the conflict along religious or ethnic lines.
The statement explicitly rejected what it described as “false and dangerous claims” suggesting that terrorist groups are waging a genocide against any specific faith community. ECOWAS warned that such assertions risk inflaming tensions and undermining social cohesion within already fragile societies.
“ECOWAS calls on the whole world to stand by the countries in the region in their fight against terrorism that targets all communities,” the communiqué concluded.
The appeal comes amid a surge in extremist attacks across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin regions, where various jihadist factions have intensified operations against both civilians and security forces. Analysts say the violence has displaced millions and continues to threaten stability across West Africa.
ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to working with regional and international partners to strengthen security cooperation, enhance intelligence sharing, and address the root causes of violent extremism through development and governance reforms.
