The Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema convened a two-day international symposium in Niamey on June 6-7, focusing on “The Commander of the Faithful and its role in regulating the African religious field and shared human heritage.” The event concluded with a set of scientific recommendations aimed at preserving peace, tolerance, and coexistence.
“This theme comes at a difficult time for the world, especially for the African continent, marked by religious differences,” said Ibrahim Hamgar, secretary general of the foundation’s Niger branch. “At this gathering, light will be shed on the virtues of moderate Islam and its principles so that peaceful coexistence and social cohesion can prevail among Muslims despite often divergent viewpoints.”
Beyond academic exchanges, the symposium highlighted the vitality of cooperation between Niger and Morocco. “We must underline the exemplary model of cooperation and partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Niger in many vital and strategic fields, including Islamic cooperation,” stated Mohamed Iboumraten, Morocco’s ambassador to Niamey. “Among the projects illustrating this collaboration is the imam and preacher training program. From 2019 to 2025, 200 imams, preachers, and female preachers benefited each year from a scholarship and two-year training at the Mohammed VI Institute in Rabat.”
Souleymane Issakou, secretary general of Niger’s ministry of foreign affairs, cooperation, and Nigeriens abroad, noted that “the presentations, analyses, and debates highlighted the importance of religion as a factor of stability, social cohesion, intercultural dialogue, and peace consolidation in African societies, particularly in the Sahel region facing security, social, and ideological challenges.”
Over the two days, Niamey became the scene of collective reflection on the continent’s spiritual and human challenges, with a shared conviction: peace is built through knowledge, dialogue, and mutual understanding. The closing ceremony featured the reading of the symposium’s general report, followed by the adoption of a final communiqué and recommendations.
