ECOWAS Rejects Genocide Allegations, Urges Unity Against Terrorism in West Africa!

ECOWAS Rejects Genocide Allegations, Urges Unity Against Terrorism in West Africa!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly dismissed allegations that the surge in terrorist attacks across the region amounts to genocide, instead calling for collective regional action to combat terrorism and restore peace.

What We Know:

• In a communiqué issued after a high-level security summit in Abuja, ECOWAS described the violence by insurgent groups as “acts of terror,” not targeted ethnic or religious extermination.
• The bloc expressed concern over misinformation being used to divide communities and undermine counterterrorism cooperation.
• Member states reaffirmed their commitment to joint military operations, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian support.

Quote:

“Labeling terrorism as genocide is not only misleading, it weakens the unified resolve we need to defeat these threats.”
— Dr. Omar Touray, ECOWAS Commission President

Why It Matters:

• Seeks to preserve regional unity amid rising ethnic and religious tensions.
• Counters international narratives that may distort local conflict dynamics.
• Reasserts ECOWAS’s leadership in coordinating West Africa’s security efforts.

What to Watch:

• Follow-up actions from ECOWAS security coordination centres.
• Response from civil society and victims’ groups demanding justice or clarification.
• Regional and international media framing of terrorism in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.

Sources:

1. ECOWAS Security Summit Communiqué – Nov. 4, 2025
2. Premium Times – “ECOWAS calls for unity, dismisses genocide claims”
3. AFP – “West African leaders meet to discuss terrorism, displacement”

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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