Niger Govt Orders Clerics to Submit Sermons for Approval

By Diafa Doubra,

The Niger State Government has introduced a controversial directive requiring religious clerics to submit their sermons for vetting before delivery.

Governor Umar Bago announced the policy, saying it is aimed at curbing hate speech, preventing incitement, and promoting peaceful coexistence among diverse communities in the state. He stressed that the move was necessary following rising concerns about inflammatory preaching that could trigger unrest.

The directive will be enforced with the support of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, and the military. Authorities insist that the measure is not meant to suppress freedom of worship but to ensure sermons align with the principles of peace and national unity.

However, the decision has drawn mixed reactions. While some residents see it as a step toward tackling insecurity and religious extremism, others have described it as an infringement on fundamental rights, warning that it could be misused to silence dissenting voices.

The government maintains that it will engage religious leaders in dialogue to smoothen implementation and avoid unnecessary conflict.