Niger: a year after 70 churches destroyed in anti-‘Charlie’ riots

Niger: a year after 70 churches destroyed in anti-‘Charlie’ riots
Demolishing Boukoki’s EERN church, damaged in the anti-Charlie’ riots in 2015, ahead of its rebuildingWorld Watch Monitor   A year has passed since the churches in the West African country of Niger experienced the worst attacks in their history, in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris. On . . . Read More

Niger churches ‘abandoned’ after Charlie Hebdo destruction

Niger churches ‘abandoned’ after Charlie Hebdo destruction
In the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris, the churches in the predominantly Muslim West African nation of Niger experienced the worst attacks in their history. On the weekend of 16-17 January, hundreds of angry Islamists attacked and ransacked dozens of properties and churches, shouting “Allahu Akbar” (“Allah . . . Read More

Boko Haram’s attacks spread into Niger sparking mass exodus

Boko Haram’s attacks spread into Niger sparking mass exodus
Nigeria’s neighbour to its north, French-speaking Niger, is the latest country to pledge its army will fight the radical Islamic group, Boko Haram. Boko Haram’s military and strategic advance has already provoked the postponement of Nigeria’s Presidential election, due to have been held this Saturday, 14 February. The election is . . . Read More

Recent violence in Niger shows growing intolerance among religious groups

Recent violence in Niger shows growing intolerance among religious groups
Mixed emotions were evident as members of the Christian community in Niger gathered for their services on Sunday, 25 January, 2015. Some were full of joy to get back to church; others could barely hide their sorrow. A week ago, the church bells remained silent. Ten people died during that . . . Read More

Churches burned down over anti-Charlie Hebdo demonstration in Niger

Churches burned down over anti-Charlie Hebdo demonstration in Niger
A 2013 church service in Niger.Courtesy Open Doors International   At least five churches in southeastern Niger were ransacked and burned down Friday by hundreds of Islamist demonstrators angered by a cartoon published by the French magazine Charlie Hebdo. According to local sources contacted by World Watch Monitor, hundreds of . . . Read More

From Africa to Asia, offended Muslims vent anger on Christian churches

From Africa to Asia, offended Muslims vent anger on Christian churches
Across much of the Muslim world, more than two weeks of backlash to the internet video “Innocence of the Muslims” has occasionally been directed at Christians, from computer hacks to church burnings. It can be difficult to sort deliberate acts of persecution from simple undirected anger sparked by the video, . . . Read More