The Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema convened a two-day international symposium in Niamey on June 6 and 7. The event focused on The Commandership of the Faithful and its role in guiding Africa’s religious landscape and shared human heritage. It concluded with scholarly recommendations aimed at preserving peace, tolerance, and coexistence.
Ibrahim Hamgar, secretary general of the foundation’s Niger chapter, noted that the theme is particularly timely given the world’s current difficulties, especially in Africa where religious disagreements are common. He explained that the symposium would highlight the virtues of moderate Islam and its principles, aiming to foster peaceful coexistence and social cohesion among Muslims despite differing perspectives.
Beyond the academic exchanges, the gathering underscored the vibrant cooperation between Niger and Morocco. Morocco’s ambassador to Niamey, Mohamed Iboumraten, highlighted the exemplary partnership between the two nations across various vital and strategic sectors, including Islamic affairs. He cited the imam and preacher training program as a key initiative: from 2019 to 2025, it has provided 200 imams, preachers, and female preachers each year with scholarships and two years of training at the Mohammed VI Institute in Rabat.
Souleymane Issakou, secretary general of Niger’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad, emphasized that the presentations, analyses, and debates demonstrated the importance of religion as a factor for stability, social cohesion, intercultural dialogue, and peacebuilding in African societies. He noted this is especially relevant in the Sahel, a region facing security, social, and ideological challenges.
For two days, Niamey served as the venue for collective reflection on the continent’s spiritual and human challenges, united by the belief that peace is built through knowledge, dialogue, and mutual understanding.
The closing ceremony featured the reading of the general report on the symposium’s proceedings, followed by the adoption of a final communiqué and a set of recommendations.