Violence in Niger
Muslim Uprising Threatens Missionaries and
Christians in Niger
November 9, 2000
Islamic fundamentalists attacked an SIM mission station as well as churches in Maradi (100 miles east of Madaoua). Similar attacks were reported in the capital city of Niamey. Churches were burned, vehicles torched and windows smashed. The SIM finance office was damaged as well as the home of a missionary family. The mob also vandalized a Bible school run by another mission in Maradi.
It seems the attack took place at a time when the missionary men were not on the compound. One elderly worker on the compound pleaded for the safety of an SIM missionary mother with two small children. They were allowed safe passage to a home in town until the attack was over. SIM missionaries are not spending the night on the compound this evening.
Another single missionary barricaded herself in her house and was calling the SIM office in Niamey while the mob of about 100 angry young men attacked the outside of the house. We praise the Lord that no one was hurt in the assault.
The Cause
The reason for the violence seems to be several things. Recently parts of Nigeria (Niger's neighbor to the south) went to Sharia law (Islamic law) and might have influenced Islamic sentiment in Niger. The recent events in the Middle East also could have contributed to the strong emotion of the attacks. Radical Muslim groups have called on Niger to join forces with Libya against Israel and in harassing Americans in Niger for their support of Israel.
But while these may have been the primary cause of the violence, what might be the flash point for the uprising is a French fashion show that was broadcast on national television. Fundamentalists were offended by the costumes of the models. France is considered by Muslim groups as a "Christian" nation and gave the Muslim groups an excuse to paint all Christians in the country with a broad stroke.
Other violence around the country included an attack on the cement factory in Malbaza last week. It was recently privatized by a European company.
A Call to Prayer
There are rumors of more violence possible Friday, November 10, following the 2 PM prayers (8 AM EST). Unless four Muslim leaders arrested yesterday during the demonstrations in Niamey are released, there will be a nation wide rampage after the 2 PM prayers.
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Pray for safety of missionaries and national believers in Niger. |
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Pray for Niger's leaders that they would have wisdom in dealing effectively with these fundamentalists. |
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Pray for a fresh unity among believers in the church as they face persecution like never before. |
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Pray that faith and the love of Christ might be seen in the Christians of Niger. |
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