Maroc’s Mohammed VI foundation showcases religious moderation doctrine at Niamey symposium

The Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema held an international symposium on June 6 and 7 in Niamey, focusing on the theme “The Commandery of the Faithful and Its Role in Guiding the African Religious Landscape and Shared Human Heritage.” The event concluded with scientific recommendations aimed at preserving the values of peace, tolerance, and coexistence.

Ibrahim Hamgar, secretary general of the foundation’s Niger chapter, noted that the theme was chosen in response to difficult global circumstances, particularly in Africa, where divergent religious opinions often create tensions. “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 differences of perspective,” he explained.

Beyond scholarly exchanges, the symposium highlighted the strength of Niger-Morocco cooperation. Ambassador of Morocco to Niamey, Mohamed Iboumraten, pointed to the exemplary partnership between the two countries in strategic fields, including religious affairs. “Among the projects illustrating this cooperation is the training program for imams and preachers. From 2019 to 2025, 200 imams, preachers, and female preachers have benefited each year from scholarships and two-year training at the Mohammed VI Institute in Rabat,” he said.

Souleymane Issakou, secretary general of Niger’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad, underscored that the presentations, analyses, and debates highlighted religion as a factor of stability, social cohesion, intercultural dialogue, and peacebuilding in African societies, particularly in the Sahel region facing security, social, and ideological challenges.

For two days, Niamey served as the venue 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 recommendations.