Niamey hosts symposium on Morocco’s doctrine for african religious field

The Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema convened an international symposium on June 6 and 7 in Niamey under the theme “The Commander 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.

“This theme comes at a difficult time for the world, especially the African continent, marked by religious differences. This gathering sheds light on the virtues of moderate Islam and its principles so that peaceful coexistence and social cohesion can prevail among Muslims despite often divergent viewpoints,” explained Ibrahim Hamgar, secretary general of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema, Niger section.

Beyond the academic exchanges, the symposium highlighted the vitality of cooperation between Niger and Morocco. “It is important to 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 cooperation is the training program for imams and preachers. Thanks to this program, which ran from 2019 to 2025, 200 imams, preachers, and female preachers each year received a scholarship and two-year training at the Mohammed VI Institute in Rabat,” stated Mohamed Iboumraten, Morocco’s ambassador to Niamey.

Souleymane Issakou, secretary general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad, stressed 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.”

For two days, Niamey served as the stage for collective reflection on the spiritual and human challenges of the continent, with a shared conviction: peace is also 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.