Written by: Badr Ahmed

A specialized training workshop aimed at strengthening the role of imams and preachers in preventing violent extremism has been launched in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, as part of national and regional efforts to consolidate the discourse of moderation and confront extremist thought, amid escalating security challenges in the Sahel region.

Niger promotes a moderate discourse by training imams and preachers.

The workshop, hosted by the Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Centre, is bringing together about twenty imams and preachers from various regions of Niger. It is organized by the Association of Scholars, Preachers and Imams of the Sahel (LOPIS), in cooperation with the UFL Integration and Liaison Unit, over a period of three days.

The training program focuses on themes related to building intellectual unity, dismantling extremist discourse, and enhancing the role of religious leaders in spreading the values of tolerance and moderation, in addition to providing participants with practical mechanisms to understand the phenomenon of violent extremism and correct the misconceptions exploited by extremist groups to justify violence in the name of religion.

The head of the Association of Scholars, Preachers and Imams of the Coast, Dr. Abubakr Waler Madou, confirmed that the initiative comes within a comprehensive strategy aimed at raising the efficiency of scholars and preachers, unifying moderate religious discourse, and strengthening the role of religious institutions in protecting societies from the dangers of extremism and terrorism, noting that confronting extremist thought requires work on both the intellectual and field levels.

Madou praised the efforts made by the authorities of Niger and Algeria in combating terrorism and supporting scientific and intellectual initiatives aimed at consolidating security and stability in the Sahel region, stressing the importance of regional cooperation in confronting common threats.

For his part, the representative of the Integration and Liaison Unit, Taher Muhammad Abdul Jalil, explained that the organization adopts a preventive approach based on dialogue, capacity building, and spreading the correct understanding of the teachings of Islam based on the principles of the Holy Qur’an, considering that empowering imams and preachers represents one of the most important tools for preventing extremism.

For his part, the representative of the President of the State Security Council, Seydou Djibo Karimou, affirmed that holding this session in Niamey reflects Niger’s commitment to continuing its efforts to combat extremism and organized crime, noting that extremist groups are now exploiting social media and the media to recruit individuals and spread their ideas, which calls for strengthening community awareness and building a moderate religious discourse capable of confronting these challenges.

The opening session was attended by a number of officials and diplomats, including the Algerian ambassador to Niger, Ahmed Saadi, who stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between religious and intellectual institutions to support social peace and consolidate a culture of moderation in the Sahel region.