Niamey hosts conference on islamic moderation and shared heritage
The Mohammed VI Foundation of African Scholars, dedicated to promoting Islamic scholarship across the continent, recently concluded a landmark international symposium in Niamey on June 6 and 7. The event, titled «The Commandership of Believers and Its Role in Guiding Africa’s Religious Landscape and Shared Human Heritage», produced groundbreaking scientific recommendations aimed at safeguarding core values such as peace, tolerance, and social harmony.
During the gathering, Ibrahim Hamgar, Secretary-General of the Foundation’s Niger branch, emphasized the timeliness of the discussion. «In a world—especially Africa—marked by deepening religious divisions, this conference shines a light on the principles of moderate Islam. Its goal is to foster peaceful coexistence and social cohesion, even amid differing perspectives», he noted.
The event also highlighted the robust partnership between Niger and Morocco. Mohamed Iboumraten, Morocco’s Ambassador to Niamey, praised the strategic collaboration, stating, «Morocco and Niger have set an exemplary model of cooperation, particularly in Islamic affairs. A key initiative is the imam and preacher training program, which has seen 200 religious leaders—male and female—receive annual scholarships and two-year training at the Mohammed VI Institute in Rabat since 2019, with plans extending through 2025».
Souleymane Issakou, Secretary-General of Niger’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad, underscored the discussions’ broader significance. «Presentations and debates revealed how religion can serve as a cornerstone for stability, social cohesion, intercultural dialogue, and peacebuilding in African societies—especially in the Sahel, where security, social, and ideological challenges persist», he remarked.
Over two days, Niamey became a hub for collective reflection on Africa’s spiritual and human challenges. Participants left with a shared conviction: peace is built through knowledge, dialogue, and mutual understanding.
The closing ceremony featured the presentation of a comprehensive report summarizing the symposium’s proceedings, followed by the adoption of a final communiqué and strategic recommendations.
