The Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema held an international symposium on June 6 and 7 in Niamey, focusing on “The Commandery of the Faithful and its role in guiding the African religious field and shared human heritage.” The event concluded with scientific recommendations aimed at preserving values of peace, tolerance, and coexistence.
Ibrahim Hamgar, secretary-general of the foundation’s Niger section, explained: “This theme comes at a difficult time globally, especially in Africa, marked by religious disagreements. This gathering will shed light on the virtues of moderate Islam and its principles so that peaceful coexistence and social cohesion can prevail among Muslims despite often differing viewpoints.”
Beyond academic exchanges, the symposium highlighted the strength of Niger-Morocco cooperation. Mohamed Iboumraten, Morocco’s ambassador to Niamey, stated: “We must emphasize the exemplary model of cooperation and partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Niger in several vital and strategic areas, including Islamic cooperation. Among the projects illustrating this Islamic cooperation is the training program for imams and preachers. Through this program, which ran from 2019 to 2025, 200 imams, preachers, and female preachers received scholarships and two years of training at the Mohammed VI Institute in Rabat each year.”
Souleymane Issakou, secretary-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad, noted that “the presentations, analyses, and debates highlighted the importance of religious affairs 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.”
For two days, Niamey served as a venue for 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 general report of the symposium’s proceedings, followed by the adoption of a final communiqué and recommendations.
