The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected allegations suggesting that a religious group is being targeted in the region, calling such claims “false and dangerous.”
The statement came in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks, in which he threatened to deploy troops to Nigeria to “protect Christians.”
ECOWAS expressed its full support for Nigeria and urged the United Nations and international partners to assist West African nations in their fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari defended his country’s record on religious freedom, stating that “religious tolerance remains a core principle of our shared national identity.”
Nigeria continues to grapple with years of violent insurgencies, including attacks by Boko Haram, which have killed tens of thousands and displaced millions across the country.
