United States Embassy Niamey strongly condemns the terror attacks in Diffa and Tillaberi, including those aimed at humanitarian organizations such as the International Rescue Committee and Doctors Without Borders.  We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the two persons killed in the June 14 attack at Maine-Soroa, as well as those who have suffered in past attacks, and call on all persons who value peace to remain united in the fight against violent extremism.  We commend the government of Niger and the Nigerien security forces for their recent successes in pushing Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa back in the Diffa Region, and we stand side-by-side with them in their effort to improve security.

The U.S. Embassy also strongly condemns the burning of the Assembly of God Christian church and the attack on the Abundant Life Christian Church in Maradi on June 15 and 16.  These attacks undermine the long-standing pacific interaction of diverse faiths in Niger.  Sectarian violence is never an acceptable response to an assumed injustice.  We call on Nigerien citizens to reject this path and embrace the rule of law, mediation, and debate when faced with uncertainties like those that upset the youth.  In light of the recent series of anti-Christian terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso, and in light of kidnapping on June 7 of a Christian and the threat levied by Boko Haram against Christians on June 11 in Diffa, it is vital that all Nigeriens who value peace, and the leaders of all religious denominations, unite to oppose this violence, uphold human rights, and ensure the peaceful and transparent practice of all religions in Niger.

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