CCI issued an Update to our earlier Alert today that confirms attacks on both churches and the homes on faith-based personnel in Niamey, Niger. Read that Alert.
The US Embassy in Niamey issued the following Security Message on Saturday, 17 January:
This message is to update U.S. citizens on protests taking place throughout Niger against the latest cover of French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo and President Issoufou’s participation in the march in Paris. Recent attacks have targeted churches, bars and presidential-party buildings. The Embassy is telling its staff to go home and stay there until further notice. Protests could continue throughout the weekend and could escalate. We recommend that U.S. citizens avoid churches until the situation calms down.
Throughout Niamey, multiple churches have been ransacked and burned in on-going protests. The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid the downtown area, including around and between Place Toumou, Place de la Concertation, the Grand Mosque and the Grande Marché. U.S. citizens residing in the downtown area should monitor the situation on local media and stay vigilant.
In Zinder, four people were killed and several injured in attacks against the French Cultural Center and churches.
The Embassy has received reports that churches, bars and a police station in Gouré have been burned.
In Maradi, Christian homes and churches have been targeted by protesters.