Niger women pray for peace amid France tensions
Muslim women gathered in Niger's capital, Niamey, on Friday for mass prayers for peace, security and stability amid continuing security challenges and tensions with France.
A video report showed women filling the Mahatma Gandhi Conference Centre for a sermon and collective prayers.
“We love our country, today and always,” organiser Hassana Soumaila said. “For us as Muslims, this is a duty. We have no weapons other than our prayers.”
The gathering came amid renewed tensions with France after Niger accused Paris of involvement in an August mutiny in Niamey, during which soldiers targeted the airport and presidential palace. France rejected the allegation as “pure fantasy”.
Relations have deteriorated sharply since Niger's July 2023 military takeover, after which France withdrew its troops and closed its embassy.
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Niger also continues to battle jihadist violence and has strengthened ties with Russia since ending longstanding security partnerships with France and the United States.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
