The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected claims that the rise in terrorist attacks across the region amounts to genocide, calling instead for unity and stronger international support to counter violent extremism.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the regional bloc said it was concerned by “the growing level of violence that terrorist groups of different colouration have perpetrated in some countries in the West African region, including Nigeria.”

ECOWAS stressed that the attacks target civilians indiscriminately, regardless of religion or ethnicity, and urged partners not to promote false narratives.

“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 read.

It further appealed to the United Nations and other international partners “to support member states in their fight against these groups and to treat as false any claims that these terrorist groups target one group, or that there is a genocide of one religious’ group in the region.”

“ECOWAS strongly rejects these false and dangerous claims that seek to deepen insecurity in communities and weaken social cohesion in the region,” the bloc added.

Reaffirming its commitment to regional stability, ECOWAS said that the fight against terrorism must be guided by facts and solidarity, not division.

“ECOWAS calls on the whole world to stand by the countries in the region in their fight against terrorism that targets all communities,” it said.

The statement followed remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who on October 31, described Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing alleged persecution of Christian communities.

Nigeria’s Federal Government rejected the claim, calling it inconsistent with available evidence and reiterating its commitment to combating extremism and protecting citizens of all faiths.

Trump reportedly warned on November 1 that continued “killing of Christians” could lead to a suspension of U.S. assistance and possible military action against what he described as Islamic terrorist groups in Nigeria.