Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.” - Joshua 1:9
Dear Friend of Niger,
Thank you for your patience as we have been sorting through the information coming in from Niger. As you can imagine, it has taken some time to accurately assess and confirm the damage reports from last weekend's attacks. While, an estimated 78 institutions, including schools and churches, and 30 pastoral residences have sustained varying degrees of damage, everyone is grateful for the safety of our brothers and sisters there. Since Sunday, things have been calm in Niamey. Despite the attacks, there is good news coming out of Niger, too. We thought we would share some of it with you.
What happened with us yesterday and today in Niamey and Zinder challenges us. These churches were burned. Can we accept that they be burned in the name of our religion? What harm are churches and Christians in Niger causing? Those who raid these places of worship, who desecrate them, who persecute and kill Christians or ex-pat Christians living on the soil of our country, do not understand Islam. They give our warm country and our hospitable people a very bad name. Where, exactly, do they want our Christian faith compatriots to go in deciding to destroy their homes and seize their assets? Do they know that by behaving in this way, they encourage people in countries where Muslims are a minority to desecrate and destroy mosques? Do they know they are causing serious harm to our many compatriots living in countries with a Christian majority? My fellow citizens, We condemn these agitations, deplore the loss of life and the high number of casualties on the side of the demonstrators, innocent citizens, and the side of the police. I welcome calm, courage, and professionalism. To the families of the deceased, I wish to express my sincere condolences. An investigation of those responsible for these wild events will be launched and they will be identified and punished according to the law. -Niger President, Mahamadou Issoufou's Speech
I have heard many stories of Muslim neighbors who protected Christian property from damage. One Muslim in Zinder rescued an old Christian from a burning house by prying open a window. Pastor Boureima’s Muslim neighbors stepped in after the crowd damaged the church and saved his house from possible destruction. -A Trusted Friend of The LINK™
The United States strongly condemns the violence that occurred in Niger on January 16 and 17 during protests against the depiction of the Prophet Mohamed in the French journal Charlie Hebdo, which resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people and the destruction of residences, businesses and other property, including places of worship. We express our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the victims of the violence. The U.S. Government respects all faiths. In a democratic society, freedom of expression includes allowing expression that one disagrees with and protecting the right of all persons to hold different views. This freedom does not imply acceptance of content, nor is there any justification for the wanton killing of innocents and destruction of property. We commend the efforts of government officials, religious and traditional leaders, and civil society to end the violence and encourage calm in the affected communities. The United States remains firmly committed to our partnership with Niger to expand prosperity and counter regional threats to peace and security. -US Department of State Official Response
Carry us in your prayers in these difficult times, but certainly the Church in Niger will grow because we are convinced that after the persecution comes growth. Since yesterday, we get calls from neighbors, relatives, and Muslim friends who testify about their support (some in tears) while the smoke rose into the sky. A few buildings were even protected by Muslims who are intervened to prevent their rampage. -A Nigerien Ministry Partner
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