Programs & Events
Imam Bakhach shares experiences of Islam in America
(21 Apr- 1 May 2009)
At the invitation of U.S. Embassy Niamey, Imam Moujahed Mouhammad Bakhach visited Niger from April 21- May 1, where he offered presentations on the topic of Islam in America in Niger’s Hausa-speaking eastern cities of Niamey, Tahoua, Maradi, Zinder, Konni, and Kiota. He also addressed the congregations at Friday mosque in Tahoua, the National University mosque in Niamey, and at the Maghreb prayer during his visit to Kiota. This is a continuation of the speakers program, from November 2008, which occurred in the Zarma-speaking western cities of Tillaberi and Dosso.
Imam Bakhach’s presentations discussed the freedoms guaranteed to practitioners of Islam in America and dispelled myths and misconceptions about the treatment of Muslims in the U.S., and the effects and intentions of U.S. policies toward the Muslim world. His presentations also touched on the relevant issues of human rights and social justice in a religious and political context, and the attempts of extremist elements to hijack and distort the true message of Islam. The imam’s presentations on inter-faith outreach initiatives in the Muslim context and efforts made by municipal authorities in his hometown of Fort Worth, TX were particularly important and welcomed by the target audience as an effective mechanism to promote religious tolerance in the Muslim world and to educate the West about Islam and its practitioners.
Imam Bakhach’s message was extremely-well received in all locations and lively Q&A sessions followed each presentation. In addition to his presentations, Imam Bakhach and embassy officials met with the minister of religious affairs. The minister and his key advisors also attended the imam’s Niamey presentation.
Tahoua and Maradi program participants included regional and local leaders; local religious leaders; and students. Programs in Zinder, Konni, and Gaya consisted of open exchanges with traditional chiefs, top imams, and marabouts from each of these communities. The Niamey program was attended by the Ambassador Allen, the minister of religious affairs, and key religious leaders, women’s group leaders, civil society members, and NGOs. In addition to press coverage at all events, the speaker gave lengthy interviews for a popular Islamic TV program and the leading Islamic publication in Niger. Coverage was both in French-language and local language media.
Imam Moustapha of Tahoua and Cheikh Harouna Fodi, secretary general Niger’s largest Islamic association, each added a powerful component to the speaker program by providing first-hand accounts of their observations and experiences in the U.S., which complemented the program and provided independent affirmation to the audience from these highly regarded Nigerien religious figures. Both Imam Moustapha and Cheikh Fodi are recent participants in the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP).
Imam Bakhach’s visit was sponsored under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Information Program’s International Speakers program.
 |
|
Imam Bakhach and Embassy team meet with religious leaders in Zinder |
 |
|
Imam Bakhach with Cheikh Boureima Daouda (left) at TV Bonferey interview |
 |
|
Traditional mosque in Dosso |
 |
|
Imam Bakhach meets with traditional chief and religious leaders in Gaya |