When there is a coup or a security crisis, it is hard for people outside to understand what's really going on. But sometimes, talking to an expert can give us a clearer picture. Therefore, based on an interview with the journalist, Yusef Siri B. who runs the Echoes of Niger website, we will discuss the situation in Niger. We will share insights about the military coup in Niger, the people's reaction, and the threats from ECOWAS and France. It is a story about a country with great wealth but extreme poverty.

Relative Calm and Violent Demonstrations

He says that since the military coup against President Mohamed Bazoum, the country has been relatively calm. People are going about their lives as usual, except for the demonstrations in the capital, Niamey. These protests started as support for the military council but turned violent, with the French embassy as a target.

The Impact of Sanctions

People in Niger are starting to worry about the future because of the sanctions imposed by several countries, especially ECOWAS. Prices have already started to rise, like the cost of a 25-kilogram bag of rice, which increased from 11,000 francs to 15,000 francs in just a few days. This worries the residents even more.

Some merchants are taking advantage of the situation to raise prices even before the sanctions take effect. This is something that happens during occasions like Ramadan too, without any economic or political reasons.

The Political Class and the Military

According to Seri B, there haven't been any significant changes in the political class, except for a statement from opposition parties supporting the military council. The ruling party is trying to use international rejection of the coup to its advantage, but most citizens support the army's actions, which weakens the party's influence.

During the previous period, there were restrictions on freedoms, and this led to acts of violence after the coup, especially against the French embassy. Many foreigners, including 800 French citizens, had to be evacuated.

Why is ECOWAS Threatening Military Intervention?

When a military coup happens, it's expected that there will be international condemnation. However, the tone regarding Niger has been particularly harsh compared to other countries. Seri B believes this is because Niger was seen as the last stronghold of civilian rule in the Sahel region, and its stability was crucial. The West African Group fears that military coups could spread to other countries led by civilian rulers.

ECOWAS countries had previously announced the creation of a unified force to deal with military coups. The situation in Niger was an opportunity to test this option, but neighboring countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Algeria rejected the idea. This has made the group think twice about military intervention, unless they are willing to accept civilian casualties and more chaos.

The Growing Anti-France Sentiment in Niger

There are people who believe that the wave of anti-France sentiment in Niger is increasing, just like in other neighboring countries. They argue that this sentiment existed even before the coup, but it became more visible after the overthrow of President Muhammad Bazoum. The French embassy was specifically targeted, despite the presence of other embassies in the region. The ruling military council also supported this sentiment by urging foreign forces not to interfere in Niger's internal affairs.

The Issue of Enriched Uranium

There are claims that Niger's wealth has been mismanaged or looted, leading to the country's poverty. A journalist who has won international awards for investigative journalism supports this claim. According to him, Niger is one of the richest countries in the world when it comes to uranium. However, it is strange that despite 50 years of uranium exploitation, the lives of the population have not significantly improved.

Power Outages and Mismanagement

The journalist points out the irony that the capital city, Niamey, is currently experiencing power outages. Some speculate that Nigeria has cut off energy supplies as part of sanctions. However, power outages have been a persistent issue even before this crisis, despite uranium being the main source of energy production. The journalist believes that mismanagement, corruption, and misappropriation of public funds are to blame for this situation. He found evidence of chaos in the sector during his previous investigations, and it is clear that these resources are not being used to finance education, healthcare, the economy, or the country's development.

The Beneficiaries of the Situation

In conclusion, the journalist argues that certain groups and companies, along with France, are the primary beneficiaries of Niger's situation. They manipulate the country's wealth by buying uranium at low prices and selling it at much higher prices in the international market. France also benefits from Niger's uranium in its nuclear facilities. In summary, there is a growing anti-France sentiment in Niger, and there are concerns about the mismanagement of the country's uranium wealth. The journalist's investigations have shed light on the chaos and corruption in the sector, which has hindered the development of Niger and its people.

A delegation of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind visited the affected areas of Mewat after the recent violence and found that 13 mosques had been vandalized, religious books burnt, and Tablighi Jamaat members attacked.

Jamiat Ulama-al-Hind has launched a proactive mission to provide relief, conduct surveys, pursue legal remedies, and renovate the mosques. The organization's multifaceted approach aims to address the situation, heal affected communities, and uphold justice.

The delegation's findings have revealed that mosques were deliberately targeted by communal forces. Mosques were vandalized, religious texts were set ablaze, and members of the Tablighi Jamaat were assaulted. To date, the delegation has visited 13 affected mosques, including six in Palwal, three in Hodal, three in Sohna, and one in Gurugram.

The delegation also found that the state government and administration engaged in the illegal demolition of Muslim residences and shops. This action, described by the High Court as resembling a form of community genocide, was only curtailed due to the timely intervention of the court.

Shockingly, those responsible for the acts of violence against homes, places of worship, the desecration of the Holy Quran, and attacks on mosque imams and Tablighi Jamaat members have yet to face legal consequences. This alarming situation has been highlighted in a report presented by the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind delegation.

Under the leadership of Maulana Hakimuddin Qasmi, General Secretary of Jamiat Ulama-al-Hind, and supported by prominent organizers including Maulana Ghayur Ahmed Qasmi, Maulana Qari Naushad Adil, Qari Aslam Budedvi, and Maulana Sajid Rajopur, the delegation is actively working to address these challenges. Additionally, the relentless efforts of individuals such as Maulana Yahya Karimi, Qari Muhammad Aslam Budedvi, Mufti Muhammad Saleem Sakras, and Maulana Sher Muhammad Amini Ghasera have been instrumental in the pursuit of justice and restoration.

The delegation's visit to Bazarwali Mosque and Eidgahwali Mosque in Hodal was a powerful demonstration of solidarity with the affected community. The once-thriving community hubs now bear the scars of sectarian tensions, but the delegation's presence provided solace and hope for the future.

The list of the affected mosques is as follows:

1. Anjuman Islam Masjid Gurugram
2. Maulvi Jameel Wali Masjid Sohna
3. Shahi Jami Masjid Bara Khamba Sohna
4. Lakkadshah Masjid Sohna
5. Bazaar Wali Masjid Hodal
6. Eidgah Masjid Hodal
7. Punjabi Colony Jama Masjid Hodal
8. Madrasa Wali Masji Palwal
9. Peer Gali wali Masjid Palwal
10. Guptaganj wali Masjid Palwal
11. Kali Masjid Palwal
12. Haji Nizam Wali Masjid Bus Stand Pulwal
13. Rasulpur Gaon Wali mosque Palwal

Jamiat Ulama-al-Hind calls on the authorities to take immediate action to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice. The organization also calls on the community to come together and rebuild the damaged mosques and homes. Only through unity and cooperation can we overcome this challenge and create a more peaceful and just society for all.

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Sources

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• com/eng/mewat13-mosques-vandalized-religious-books-burnt-during-communal-violence/#:~:text=Mosques%20were%20vandalized%2C%20religious%20texts,of%20a%20deputy%20imam%20occurred.
• net/communal-unrest-ravages-mewat-13-mosques-vandalized-religious-books-burnt-tablighi-jamaat-members-attacked/#:~:text=NEW%20DELHI%20%E2%80%93%20The%20serene%20district,aftermath%20of%20the%20communal%20disturbances.

By: Gamal Khattab 

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan made a bold claim that the United States, with the help of the army, orchestrated his removal from power. He even waved a paper at public rallies, claiming it was a diplomatic cable that proved his allegations. The leaked cable, now made public, revealed that the US was unhappy with Khan's visit to Russia during the Ukraine crisis. This revelation seemed to confirm Khan's suspicions.

A Veiled Threat
The leaked cable also contained a veiled threat from the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia. He hinted that if the no-confidence vote against Khan succeeded, all would be forgiven in Washington. This suggested that the US had a hand in Khan's removal and that his presence in Moscow during the Ukraine crisis had caused tension.

Army's Role
It appears that the army had already decided to remove Khan even before the leaked cable reached him. The opposition quickly moved a no-confidence motion, leading to Khan's removal. Once Khan was gone, the Pakistan army started providing military support to Ukraine, and in return, the US signed a military pact with Pakistan.

Imran Khan's Fate
Imran Khan now finds himself in Attock jail, wondering when he will be able to get out. There are other cases against him that the army could use, making it difficult for him to compromise. However, fortunes can change quickly, so it's uncertain what the future holds for Khan.

The US Influence
The US has been a dominant force in Pakistan, with significant economic and military influence. Pakistan relies on the US for exports, financial support, and diplomatic assistance in dealing with India. This dependency makes it challenging for Khan to navigate the competing interests of the US and China.

No Easy Way Out
Given the circumstances, it seems unlikely that Imran Khan will be released from jail anytime soon. He may have to face the consequences of his actions, and there are no guarantees of a quick resolution. The situation serves as a reminder that in this part of the world, fortunes can change rapidly, and today's leaders may become tomorrow's prisoners.

Hindu Far-Right Groups Call for Economic Boycott
In India's Haryana state, there has been a rise in calls from Hindu far-right organizations to boycott Muslim businesses and keep Muslims out of villages. This comes after deadly communal violence broke out in the state, causing tensions between different religious groups.

Violence Erupts in Nuh District
The violence started in Nuh district on July 31 during a religious procession organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. The procession was reportedly attacked, resulting in the deaths of six people, including two security guards. The clashes quickly spread to other districts, with a mosque being set on fire in Gurugram and the deputy imam being killed.

Protests and Boycott Ultimatums
Following the violence, various Hindu groups organized protests. During one demonstration in Nuh, a speaker from the Hindu far-right group Bajrang Dal gave an ultimatum to local businesses. He demanded that they fire any Muslim employees or face a boycott. This ultimatum was met with support from hundreds of followers.

Concerns Over Structural Violence
Lawyer Shahrukh Alam, who has challenged hate speech in court, believes that the economic boycott calls against Muslims are part of a pattern of structural violence against them. He argues that these demands violate the rights guaranteed to all citizens in the Indian Constitution and promote discrimination.

Legal Action and Protests
Police officials have registered cases against those promoting enmity between different groups and rioting. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of action from the police during these protests. In April 2023, the Supreme Court ordered states to register incidents of hate speech without waiting for complaints to be filed.

Support for Boycotts and Unconstitutional Actions
More than 50 village governing bodies in Haryana have issued statements banning the entry of Muslim traders in their areas. These statements have received support from prominent right-wing influencers. However, legal experts argue that these actions are against the law and undermine the integrity and equality promised in the Indian Constitution.

Legal Petition and Farmer Protests
Lawyer Kapil Sibal has filed a petition with the Supreme Court against the calls for economic boycotts of Muslims. Additionally, farmers in Hisar district gathered to protest against the unconstitutional letters banning Muslim traders. Leaders from various religions were invited to discuss the situation and advocate for peace.

Source: Aljazeera

Have you ever wondered why some societies separate men and women?

In an Islamic context, separating genders is based on the idea of modesty and maintaining proper interactions between men and women. It's important to know that different Islamic scholars and cultural practices may have different views on this topic. Let's explore some of the benefits associated with a separated-gender society in an Islamic context.

Preservation of Modesty

Modesty is highly valued in Islam for both men and women. In a separated-gender society, physical segregation helps reduce opportunities for inappropriate interactions. This creates a more modest and respectful environment.

Protection of Honor

Separation is seen as a way to protect the honour and reputation of individuals and families. Minimizing interactions between unrelated men and women, reduces the risk of illicit relationships or misunderstandings.

Focus on Religious Observance

Separation can create an environment that allows individuals to focus more on their religious duties and worship without distractions or attractions.

Avoidance of Temptations

Minimizing interactions between unrelated men and women helps reduce the risk of temptation and potential sins.

Respect for Privacy

Gender segregation is seen as a way to uphold the privacy and personal space of individuals. Everyone's personal space is respected.

Preserving Family Values

Advocates argue that maintaining separate spaces for men and women fosters stronger family values and reduces the risk of extramarital relationships that could threaten the family unit.

Cultural and Social Norms

In many Muslim-majority societies, separated gender spaces have become ingrained cultural norms. They are accepted as a way to maintain social order and harmony.