Statement By The Oacps On The Escalating Terrorist Attacks Targeting Religious Communities In West Africa

The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) expresses its grave concern over the alarming increase in terrorist attacks targeting different religious communities across West Africa, particularly Nigeria. These reprehensible acts of violence, perpetrated by various extremist groups, have caused immense suffering and fear among innocent civilians, destabilising communities and threatening the very fabric of regional peace and security.

The Organisation recalls that terrorist attacks know no borders and spare no religious groupings. Christians, Muslims, and followers of other faiths have all suffered the devastating impact of terrorism. This shared pain reminds us that terrorism is not a struggle of religions, but an assault on humanity itself.

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 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.