Illia Djadi is a human rights expert and strategic analyst with the NGO Open Doors in London. He was in Lomé, the capital of Togo, from February 20 to 24, serving as the keynote speaker for the fifth seminar jointly organized by the Forum of Christian Media in Francophone Africa (FOMECAF) and the Swiss Association Radio Réveil. This year, 70 participants from 15 African countries gathered for five days to discuss a highly relevant topic: “Media, Tools for Peace in a World of Conflict.” He painted a rather bleak picture of the situation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Interview.

Emmanuel Ziehli (EZ) – The NGO you work for, 'Open Doors,' has just published its index on Christian persecution worldwide. What is your assessment of the situation here in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Illia Djadi (ID) – Looking at this year's index and especially the situation on the ground, we observe a growing rise in insecurity and persecution linked to the Islamic insurgency. Across Africa, specifically south of the Sahara, there are many actors, Islamist groups active in this sub-region, affecting peaceful coexistence and forming one of the main sources of persecution. This violent persecution affects minority religious communities, particularly Christians.

EZ – In particular, you highlight a correlation between climate change and insecurity; how is this possible?.

ID – The Sahel countries, specifically the Central Sahel, including Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, are among the most affected. They share the commonality of being among the poorest and are severely impacted by climate change, even in normal times, experiencing droughts, floods, and the resulting famine. These regions face harsh climatic realities that particularly affect the nomadic and pastoral communities living there. Their livestock farming methods and herds are directly impacted by the scarcity of natural resources. Access to water and pastures becomes a source of conflict. The Fulani and Tuareg communities, being the most vulnerable, are the most affected by the consequences of climate change. Another consequence is that members of these same communities are swelling the ranks of terrorist groups. The most vulnerable are also the most exposed to manipulation, indoctrination, and ultimately recruitment into these groups.

EZ – During this seminar, you stated that these groups do not appear as homogeneous as we might tend to perceive them from Europe?

ID -When we look at the map of violence, we realize that there are many different actors. Numerous armed groups are active. In the Sahel, two groups can be mentioned: the 'Islamic State in the Greater Sahara' on one hand, and the 'Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims' linked to Al-Qaeda on the other. We therefore observe that these two major terrorist families are represented. Beyond the radical Islamist ideology these two groups hold, they are opposing actors, two entities waging war and fighting a fratricidal conflict to secure control of these areas and establish a 'caliphate.' Controlling the routes in these regions allows for the proliferation of all kinds of illicit trafficking. A criminal economy has developed in areas that have become 'lawless,' where drug trafficking, human trafficking, tobacco trafficking, and arms trafficking are rampant. This criminal economy is highly lucrative and funds the activities of these groups. They therefore clash to secure control over these resources.

EZ – Beyond the destruction of the social fabric and this 'living together,' you go as far as to warn of an existential threat to certain countries. Are you not overstating the case?

ID -We should not shy away from words but rather accurately assess the situation on the ground and what is truly happening. Today, the communities inhabiting these regions, whether Christian or Muslim, have a centuries-old tradition of living peacefully with one another. There is a long tradition of social cohesion and peaceful coexistence that is unfortunately now threatened. Jihadist groups fuel latent local conflicts and social divisions, amplifying and exploiting them by stirring up disunity. Consequently, we observe that in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, these groups are gaining ground, and their territorial occupation is a cause for extreme concern. To date, over 40% of Burkina Faso's territory has fallen under the control of terrorist groups.

EZ – Within these 'occupied' territories, what are the preferred targets of these terrorist groups?

These groups share a common Islamic ideology that they profess: 'to establish an Islamic state.' They therefore primarily target Christians, meaning non-Muslims. However, they also attack so-called 'moderate' Muslims who do not share their radical interpretation of Islam. They also target schools, which for them symbolize Western Christian education. The name of one of these unfortunately well-known groups, 'Boko Haram,' which literally translates from Arabic to 'Western education is forbidden' or 'school is forbidden,' testifies to their intentions. When we consider the Central Sahel, which I often mention as the area most severely affected by terrorist activities, we realize that in Burkina Faso, for example, 6,000 schools are currently closed. One million children are out of school. This situation raises fears of a domino effect, meaning that within one or two years, these vulnerable children will swell the ranks of terrorist groups. They are easy targets for indoctrination. It is urgent to react to this situation.

EZ – You are also a member of FOMECAF's leadership and a former BBC journalist for Africa; do you truly believe that media can contribute to peace in this region?

ID – Africa's recent history, and particularly the evolution of media, demonstrates that they are powerful tools. Especially radio, which is Africa's primary medium. Despite the advent of social media and other types of media, it remains the dominant communication platform. I will cite the destructive role played during the Rwandan genocide by 'Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines,' which fueled fire and hatred and led to acts that many later regretted. In 2023, we would like to say never again! Radio can play a constructive and peaceful role, promoting peace and coexistence. This is why the theme for FOMECAF's 2023 seminar was chosen. What can their contribution be? I firmly believe that media and media professionals have a role to play! This is why they were called upon here in Lomé for a week. Media must be able to play their part and use these powerful communication tools, which influence communities, to send a message of peace. We must not leave the field empty and allow others to occupy it. Jihadist groups make concrete use of communication to influence, recruit, indoctrinate, and transmit messages of hatred and violence. We believe we can reverse this trend by making good use of media, particularly with the aim of promoting coexistence.

EZ – Following this seminar, are you confident that the journalists and other specialists met here in Lomé will be able to meet the challenges of the coming years?

ID – The main objective was first to raise awareness and draw their attention to what is truly happening. Are you aware of it? I can confidently say that the message has been received! Awareness of a problem must now lead to a vision and the implementation of an action plan. We must work to develop coordinated strategies that involve capacity building and promoting peace. It is necessary to train true media professionals capable of providing balanced information, particularly in discerning truth from falsehood. God knows how much disinformation is a major concern today. The professionalism of the media, and especially trained individuals working with appropriate equipment, will be able to face their challenges. This is therefore a process of which the 5^th edition of these meetings is just the beginning.

EZ – The Forum of Christian Media in Francophone Africa (FOMECAF) has reviewed its priorities for 2023 and plans to organize a seminar in Ouagadougou. What is the motivation behind such a choice?

ID – It is a logical choice and the result of discussions held on the sidelines of this meeting. The assessment was made, and the mapping understood. FOMECAF leaders realized that Burkina Faso is severely affected, to the point where its very existence is threatened. This country has lost over 40% of its territory to jihadist groups. We want an adequate response to the urgency of this situation. Our presence will undoubtedly not solve all the problems of the Burkinabe people. We want to be present to tell them that we are aware of their pain and that we empathize with their trauma. Being in Ouagadougou is about sending a signal, a message of compassion, but also about creating an opportunity for as many media professionals as possible to participate in the meeting, be equipped, and then play a decisive role in their specific context. We want to encourage them to be peace actors through their media.

EZ – On the sidelines of the publication last December of the persecution index by your NGO 'Open Doors,' you had a very special meeting in an evangelical church in London with King Charles III of England. What memories do you have of it?

ID – First, it was an honor to meet such a personality. Seeing someone like him take an interest and listen to persecuted Christians, sensitive to the harsh realities faced by communities affected by fundamentalism and Islamist insurgency, filled me with joy. My message to King Charles III of England was to draw his attention to the urgency of the situation.
There is an urgent situation in the Sahel today. The existence of Sahelian countries, particularly those in the Central Sahel, is threatened. This region has become the new epicenter of global jihadism. We are witnessing a large-scale humanitarian crisis. In Burkina Faso, over 2 million internally displaced persons have already been recorded! Compared to other major crises like those in Afghanistan or the Middle East, where international coalitions formed to combat the Taliban or Daesh, no such mobilization exists for the Sahel. The attention is not the same, and the fear that this crisis will be forgotten despite its urgency is real. This was my message to this great leader who holds power to influence.
Action is needed now. We must take an interest in the Sahel situation; it is a matter of regional security, of course, but above all, international security. The stakes are global. The impact of this crisis could spread across the entire continent. We are already seeing conflicts extending to countries like Nigeria. This country is 'the United States of Africa,' the continent's leading economic power, and the most populous country with over 200 million inhabitants. Imagine if Nigeria were to collapse as a state! We would witness a major crisis that would affect all of Africa and also reach Europe. Think about it in terms of immigration, security, and also in terms of drug trafficking that is plaguing Africa. Due to governance problems and the void left by failing states, drug routes from Latin America and other countries pass through Africa. This drug then ends up on the European market and is consumed in Switzerland or elsewhere in Europe. We must stop this trafficking and act to solve this problem at its source.

EZ – This meeting with King Charles III of England took place in an Ethiopian church; why this choice?

ID – It is a strong symbol and a significant choice. Considering the situation in Ethiopia, and particularly in Eritrea, a country grappling with a humanitarian crisis and unprecedented violence affecting thousands of people, this sends a strong message to persecuted Christians in East Africa. Eritrea remains one of the most affected countries in terms of persecution. It is often referred to as 'the North Korea of Africa,' where religious minorities, particularly Christians, suffer state persecution. Organizing this service within that community was a message sent to persecuted Christians, telling them that we empathize and stand with them. Witnessing the joy brought by choosing this diaspora church in London was heartwarming. It boosted their morale. But beyond that, this message was sent to the entire church in East Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. In the face of this terrorism that affects coexistence, in the face of the persecution that impacts you so severely, know that you are not alone!

Photo credit: Koudousse Moustapha – KDS – 2023

Facing the war in West Africa and Western sanctions, the Christian minority in the Sahel region, plagued by jihadists, is praying intensely for peace.

The military coup in Niger has now entered its third week. Four days after the July 26 putsch, the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened military intervention if democracy was not restored within seven days.

That deadline has passed, and leaders are still considering their options while imposing sanctions against the junta, the group of military officials who seized power. However, concerned about this seventh coup in the Sahel region since 2020, the remaining democratic nations of West Africa believe they must draw a line in the sand.

Neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso, both currently under military rule after their recent coups, have warned that any foreign intervention in Niger would be considered an act of war against them.

Niger experienced its last coup attempt in 2021, just before the elected president – now deposed – was sworn into office. The former French colony was the last stronghold of Western military cooperation against jihadist militants in the Sahel, at a time when Russia's regional influence was expanding through its Wagner mercenary group. Niger is also the world's seventh-largest producer of uranium.

"Christianity Today" interviewed Illia Djadi, Senior Analyst for Open Doors on freedom of religion and belief in Sub-Saharan Africa. Although he lives in London, he is a citizen of Niger, a country ranked 28th on the World Watch List of the 50 nations where it is most challenging to be a Christian. Mr. Djadi outlined the regional context, described the difficult but improving situation for Christians, and made a strong plea against military intervention:

How serious is the current situation in Niger?

I am very saddened. As a Nigerien, I find the situation difficult to witness.

However, as an analyst, I can say with certainty that what happened two weeks ago has plunged Niger into a new era of uncertainty. The country is grappling with an Islamist terrorist insurgency originating from Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Niger is also one of the world's poorest nations, and unemployment makes it easier for our youth to become radicalized. We are certainly not in paradise.

However, compared to our neighbors, our situation was much better. For the first time in our history, a president completed two terms before peacefully handing over power through democratic elections. President Mohamed Bazoum had done a great deal to stabilize the country and enhance security. I cannot recall the last terrorist attack we experienced. And despite its poverty, Niger hosts 300,000 refugees from other countries because it is considered safe. All of this indicates that the coup was not justified and represents a major political setback. Active militants will undoubtedly exploit the ensuing instability.

Why did the coup happen?

Personal ambition. The junta claims the coup was motivated by security concerns and a deteriorating economy. However, some assert that the president was preparing to appoint a new security chief. The security chief, who had been in his position for 12 years, was slated to be replaced, but he refused and instead overthrew the president to maintain his power.

Do you see a connection between this coup and others in the Sahel region?

Only in two ways: There's a general regional political fragility and a "copy-paste" mentality. Given the coups that have occurred in Mali and Burkina Faso, people now expect similar events here. West African youth harbor anti-French sentiment due to the colonial past, and some have even waved Russian flags during protests.

I don't know if Russia is behind this coup.

However, the region faces external influence from France, the United States, Middle Eastern countries, and, more recently, Russia. Niger is the primary Western ally in the region. As a French-speaking country, we share many connections. We are witnessing a new scramble for Africa, driven by the search for its natural resources.

In this context, France is often made a scapegoat. While this scapegoating can sometimes be justified, France is not responsible for everything. And it is certainly not fair to suggest: "Let's replace France with Russia." This is precisely what occurred in Mali and Burkina Faso, and those nations are heading in the wrong direction.

How so?

Political instability. Since the 2012 coup, Mali has never fully recovered, with one coup following another. Each new leader promises solutions, but the country is losing the fight against terrorism.

The 2014 social uprising in Burkina Faso also resulted in a military coup that attempted to resolve the ensuing problems but never succeeded. Once again, a series of coups followed, and today, the country has lost control of over half its territory to militant insurgencies.

Do you believe that military intervention by ECOWAS is necessary to stem the tide of military regimes and the instability they cause?

No, that would only worsen the situation. Military intervention would create chaos and provide a haven for terrorists. We do not want another Libya, which borders Niger and ultimately exported its crisis of instability throughout the entire Sahel region. Whether it's a Western or African intervention, war would be a similar mistake.

Have Christians expressed their opinion on the coup?

No, as a religious community, they are not required to do so. However, they were included by the junta when national stakeholders were called upon. The purpose was simply to provide explanations, and the junta asked the Church to pray for the nation. Both evangelical and Catholic churches have issued a call for prayer for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Nigerian Christians do not hold political opinions, but they oppose the imposition of economic sanctions against their country. These sanctions would affect everyone, much like a war would. However, for the most part, Christians are worried, fearing they will be among the first to pay the price if the chaos continues.

Why?

In 2015, during the protests against Charlie Hebdo in France, when the magazine published satirical cartoons of Mohammed, demonstrations also occurred in Niger. Muslims burned French flags and a French cultural center, but then they attacked Christian churches, homes, and schools. Many people associate Christians with Westerners, and once again, we are seeing French flags being burned. This is therefore a cause for concern.

How do Christians integrate into the social fabric of Niger?

They represent a tiny minority: 1% of the population, compared to 99%. And although Niger is a secular country where freedom of religion is protected by the constitution, Christians often face difficulties. For example, we have records of Nigeriens who were denied university scholarships because of their Christian names.

Catholic Christianity emerged in the 19th century with French colonialism, but the Protestant church was largely established by American missionaries. The largest denomination – the current Evangelical Church of Niger – originated from the work of SIM, which came from Nigeria.

Baptists are also present, mainly in the western region. In the 1980s, Pentecostal groups from various parts of the world – France, the United States, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast – came to Niger and established, among others, the Assemblies of God denomination.

But overall, Christians share the same poverty as everyone else.

What is your faith story?

I was raised in the evangelical church. My parents attended a Christian school and eventually converted. My extended family includes Muslims and followers of traditional religions, and we live together peacefully.

In middle school, however, I became aware of my difference. Classmates asked me: 'You are Nigerian, Hausa, how can you be Christian?' I began to wonder if my faith was a mistake.

But in high school, I had developed strong convictions, not only to defend my faith but also to challenge others. My friends called me 'the Pope,' in reference to John Paul II, because I wasn't afraid to face the crowd. You have to be strong to be a Christian in Niger, and when I reflect on my current position as a lawyer, that's probably how it all began.

What's next for Nigerian Christians?

We don't know – the situation is very fragile. But as I said, our country is doing better than its neighbors, and the situation for Christians has also improved. After 2015, the government responded to the riots by strengthening religious relations, and the Church joined the successful national campaign to promote social cohesion. Today, Christians are present in the public sphere, employed in civil service. We have the freedom to preach, and even to organize large public gatherings.

The last time I lived in Niger, I was the national leader of our youth association, and we organized summer camps in churches and our Protestant schools. Today, these camps take place in public venues, with high-ranking officials present, and are broadcast by public television and radio services.

The military coup is a setback. But so far, there is no indication of rhetoric against Christians. We fear instability and pray for peace. God willing, this period of uncertainty will come to an end.

Credit:

JAYSON CASPER | August 11, 2023

'Christianity Today'

Translation: FOMECAF