Egypt expresses solidarity with Niger after at least 44 killed in mosque attack

CAIRO – 23 March 2025: Egypt has expressed full solidarity with Niger in the face of terrorism after an attack on a mosque on Friday killed at least 44 civilians and severely injured 13 others, according to official statements.

“Egypt condemns the brutal terrorist attack that targeted a mosque in southwestern Niger, resulting in the deaths and injuries of dozens of victims,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Sunday.

Egypt voiced full support to Niger’s efforts to combat terrorism and achieve security and stability, condemning all acts that target places of worship and sacred sites.

The ministry conveyed Egypt’s deepest condolences to the government and people of Niger, as well as to the families of the victims of this heinous act of terrorism, wishing a swift recovery to all the injured.

The shocking attack took place in the village of Fambita in Kokorou commune near the tri-border region of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, targeting worshippers while performing Friday prayers, according to Niger’s interior ministry.

Niger’s authorities blame the attack on the Islamic State in the Great Sahara, a terrorist group affiliate to ISIS and is also known as EIGS.

“Around 2 p.m., while Muslim worshippers were performing Friday prayers, these heavily armed terrorists surrounded the mosque to carry out their massacre of rare cruelty,” the ministry said, as reported by the Associated Press.

The gunmen also set a market and a group of houses ablaze before retreating, the ministry added.