Religious Violence: African, Caribbean, Pacific states urge global action

The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) has condemned the surge in terrorist attacks targeting religious communities in West Africa, particularly Nigeria, amid global reactions after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened military action over killings of Christians in Nigeria.

Trump’s threat, which came after he designated Nigeria “Country of Particular Concern”, has elicited reactions in Nigeria, the U.S. and around the world.

The Nigerian government has denied there is “genocide” of Christians, arguing that Muslims and other citizens are also targeted by terrorists. Christian groups have rejected the claim, insisting their members have been deliberately targeted especially in the Middle Belt states of Benue and Plateau by rampaging herders.

The president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, an arm of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Wale Oke, said on Sunday denying there was “genocide” would dishonour those killed.

Amnesty International said it has documented over 10,000 deaths in the last two years of President Bola Tinubu, caused by terror groups across the country. Benue and Plateau, predominantly Christian states, account for over 9,000 of those deaths, it said.

In a statement released Monday, the OACPS said it was “gravely concerned over the alarming increase in terrorist attacks targeting different religious communities across West Africa, particularly Nigeria.” The group described the assaults as “reprehensible acts of violence” that have devastated civilians and “threatened the very fabric of regional peace and security.”

The Brussels-based OACPS called for unity against terrorism.

“Christians, Muslims, and followers of other faiths have all suffered the devastating impact of terrorism,” the OACPS said. “This shared pain reminds us that terrorism is not a struggle of religions, but an assault on humanity itself.”

The organisation, which represents 79 member states from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, urged world powers and regional blocs to collaborate on a “comprehensive and inclusive strategy to counter terrorism in all its forms.”

“In this regard, the OACPS underscores the urgent need for a collective international approach to address this growing threat. Confronting terrorism requires unity, coordination, and solidarity among nations to effectively dismantle extremist networks and address the conditions that enable their spread,” the group said.

“The OACPS therefore calls upon the international community, regional organisations, and all partners in peace to redouble their efforts toward a comprehensive and inclusive strategy to counter terrorism in all its forms.

“The Organisation further calls on all nations to stand in solidarity with those countries and communities deeply affected by terrorist attacks, and to provide the necessary support to strengthen their resilience, recovery, and security.”