ECOWAS DENIES GENOCIDE CLAIMS, URGES WEST AFRICAN COUNTRIES TO UNITE AGAINST TERRORISM

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dismissed recent allegations of genocide and terrorism sponsorship against some member states, describing them as baseless and capable of undermining regional unity.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the ECOWAS Commission reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty, peace, and territorial integrity of all its member nations. It urged individuals and groups making such accusations to provide credible evidence rather than circulate unfounded claims that could destabilize the sub-region.

The regional bloc emphasized that no ECOWAS member state is complicit in acts of genocide or terrorism, adding that such false narratives only serve the interests of those seeking to divide the region.

ECOWAS reiterated its call for stronger collaboration among West African countries to tackle rising insecurity, terrorism, and violent extremism. It noted that collective efforts—through intelligence sharing, joint operations, and coordinated strategies—are essential to address the growing threats.

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“The security challenges facing our region require unity of purpose and coordinated action. No single country can effectively confront terrorism or transnational organized crime alone,” the statement read in part.

The Commission also restated its earlier decision to operationalize a regional standby force and strengthen intelligence networks to enhance counterterrorism capacity across member states.

The sub-regional body maintained that its focus remains on fostering peace, stability, and economic integration across West Africa, warning that divisive rhetoric and unsubstantiated allegations could weaken the collective fight against terrorism.