A year has passed since the churches in Niger experienced, in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris, the worst attacks in their history.
On the weekend of 16–17 January 2015, hundreds of angry Islamists ransacked more than 100 Christian properties and churches. Ten people lost their lives in the violence.
Cornerstones
The reconstruction has taken time, but officially began after two ceremonies in which cornerstones were put in place. The first was held at the Evangelical Church of the Niger Republic (EERN) church, in the Boukoki 2 district in the capital Niamey. The second took place hours later at the Baptist ‘Roundabout’ church, in the heart of the city.
The ceremonies were chaired by the President of the Evangelical Alliance in Niger, Bishop Kimso Boureima. ‘This is really the expression of the faithfulness and goodness of God and of his church’, he said.
Largest building in the capital
The two churches were among the worst affected and also among the most iconic in the capital. Established in 1929, the Baptist church has long symbolised the presence of Protestant Christianity in Niger. On 17 January 2015, this church was among the first targeted by demonstrators.
The EERN church is the largest building in the capital. It also symbolised the emergence of a national church attended exclusively by Nigerians, as Christianity is often associated with foreigners.
But now both new church buildings will be bigger and even more visible and will be equipped with modern facilities.
The reconstruction work, due to last a year, is being funded by the US-based Samaritan’s Purse. Other reconstruction work is planned in Zinder, Niger’s second city, where the violence began on 16 January 2015, before spreading to the rest of the country.
The commemorative ceremonies have also been marked by a service of thanksgiving, attended by all the Protestant and evangelical churches, preceded by three days of prayer and fasting from 14–17 January 2016.
‘We have chosen to celebrate this commemoration to express our gratitude for what the Lord has done so far’, said Bishop Boureima. ‘Since the first day of the attacks, we have proclaimed that the church has forgiven. We must turn the page of the past and look forward. These events came to prepare us for further persecution.
