Niamey hosts Islamic scholars conference on moderate islam and peace in Africa

The Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema convened 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 gathering concluded with a series of scientific recommendations aimed at safeguarding the values of peace, tolerance, and coexistence.

“This theme comes at a difficult time for the world, especially for Africa, marked by religious disagreements. The meeting 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,” said Ibrahim Hamgar, secretary general of the Niger section of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema.

Beyond the scholarly exchanges, the symposium highlighted the strength of cooperation between Niger and Morocco. “It is important to 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. Among the projects illustrating this collaboration is the training program for imams and preachers. From 2019 to 2025, this program has awarded scholarships and provided two-year training at the Mohammed VI Institute in Rabat to 200 imams, preachers, and female preachers each year,” explained Mohamed Iboumraten, Morocco’s ambassador to Niamey.

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 religion as a factor of stability, social cohesion, intercultural dialogue, and peacebuilding in African societies, particularly in the Sahel region, which faces security, social, and ideological challenges.”

For two days, Niamey became the stage for a collective reflection on the continent’s spiritual and human challenges, driven by 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 a set of recommendations.