Africa’s Top Fashion Event cancelled in Niger due to increased Terrorism attacks
A leading fashion event in Africa, FIMA, has been called off due to security reasons.
“The Niger government has decided to postpone this 10th edition of FIMA due to events in Diffa [southeast Niger], Mali, Chad, Cameroon, France,” said Alphadi, a prominent couturier whose real name is Seidnaly Sidhamed
Alphadi added that the postponement also aimed to show “compassion” for neighbouring Mali, in national mourning after an attack on a luxury hotel last week that left at least 20 people dead.
Niger is at war with the Nigerian-based jihadist group Boko Haram in the south-east of the country. Hundreds of people have been killed in the region from the constant attacks by the terrorist group.
At least 1,000 designers, models and celebrities from 40 nations were due to attend the November 25-29 fashion week. For the moment, the fashion fair has been postponed indefinitely.
The event that happens every two years was last held under tight security in 2013.
Professional footballers Samuel Eto’o from Cameroon and Ivorian Yaya Toure were expected for this year’s launch in Niger’s biggest stadium among other sports personalities and musicians.
