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.