Agadez hosted the opening ceremony of the 28th Edition of the Islamic Solidarity Tour (TSI) on Monday, August 3, 2026, within the precincts of the Sultanate of Aïr. The event, organized by the Association des Cadres et Jeunes Musulmans du Niger (ACJMN), will run until August 6. Mr. Ali Ben Salah Hamouda, Minister of Refoundation and Promotion of Social Values, presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the central theme: "The contribution of young Muslims and cadres in promoting social values and reforming mindsets." Mr. Hamouda stated, "the main objective is to preserve the integrity of the territory, to protect populations against terrorist threats, and to defend national sovereignty in a common and shared vision by all Nigeriens."
Event Details and Objectives
The event, which aims to bring together Niger's eight regions, operationalizes its vision within the program for the Refoundation of the Republic. The promotion of social values and changing mindsets were enshrined by the Charter of Refoundation, which resulted from the National Assizes. Islam promotes fundamental social values and a change of mentality through ethical principles and practical obligations encouraging justice, integrity, solidarity, and respect. The Secretary General emphasized the importance of the 28th edition's theme in the current context of refoundation and patriotism.
Ministerial Vision and National Refoundation
The Minister of Refoundation and Promotion of Social Values stated that the theme of the Islamic Solidarity Tour aligns with his department's mission. According to Ben Salah Ali Hamouda, General of the Army Abdourahmane Tiani, President of the Republic and Head of State, has designated this vision as a key axis for Niger. Minister Hamouda announced that the Refoundation initiative is actively working to reform the education system, aiming to adapt it to the country's sociocultural values and development needs.
The Charter of Refoundation acknowledges Islam as the majority religion, emphasizing its peaceful coexistence with other religious confessions. Minister Hamouda reiterated the importance of Ordinance 2025-42 of December 26, 2025, which concerns general mobilization for the defense of the homeland. He cited its main objective as preserving territorial integrity, protecting populations from terrorist threats, and defending national sovereignty. "l’objectif principal est de préserver l’intégrité du territoire, de protéger les populations face aux menaces terroristes et de défendre la souveraineté nationale dans une vision commune et partagée par tous les Nigériens," Hamouda stated. He added that "notre religion, l’Islam, promeut des valeurs sociales fondamentales et un changement de mentalité à travers des principes éthiques et des obligations pratiques qui encouragent la justice, la droiture, l’intégrité, la solidarité et le respect du prochain." According to Minister Hamouda, every citizen bears the duty to work with dedication for the common good, fulfill civic and professional obligations, and meet tax responsibilities.
Agadez's Historical Role and Modern Challenges
The Secretary General of the Agadez Governorate described Agadez as a city known for its welcoming nature and its history as a center of Islamic knowledge. Agadez notably hosted and provided training to Cheikh Ousmane Dan Fodio, a significant Muslim scholar and reformer of the 19th century. Souleymane Saidou Boulhassane noted that the promotion of social values and the reformation of mindsets are pressing concerns in the contemporary context. He pointed to issues such as moral depravity, which he noted are exacerbated by factors including migration, drug use, parental neglect, and the widespread access to social networks.