ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday condemned the mosque attack in Niger this week that killed at least 44 people, expressing solidarity with the African country as it reels from the tragedy. 

At least 44 people were killed when militants opened fire on worshippers in a mosque on Friday in Niger’s rural border town of Kokorou, the country’s interior ministry said in a statement on Friday. 

West Africa’s Sahel region, which includes Niger, has seen an uptick in violence in recent years following the rise of armed fighters linked to Al-Qaeda and Daesh groups that took over the territory in northern Mali after the 2012 Tuareg rebellion.

“Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Niger as they mourn the horrific loss of innocent lives in Kokorou, Niger,” Sharif wrote on social media platform X. 

“The attack on worshippers, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan, is a painful reminder that terrorism recognizes neither faith nor humanity,” he added. 

The African country said that the attack took place early in the afternoon as people were attending a prayer service at the mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.

The Pakistani prime minister condemned the “barbarity” in strong words, saying that his country shares in Niger’s grief. 

Niger’s defense ministry blamed the attack on Daesh affiliate EIGS in a statement late on Friday. EIGS did not respond to the allegations. 

Niger frequently fights armed groups in the region, with civilians often becoming casualties of the violence.

Since July 2023, at least 2,400 people have been killed in Niger, according to ACLED, a non-governmental organization that gives armed conflict location and event data.