His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, has issued a decree selecting former President of Niger His Excellency Mahamadou Issoufou as the newest member of the Council.

Issoufou served as the President of Niger from April 7, 2011 to April 2, 2021. Issoufou was also the prime minister of Niger from 1993 to 1994 and President of the African nation's National Assembly from 1995 to 1996.

The former Nigerien politician was the 2020 recipient of the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership for his efforts spearheading economic development in his country while also working for regional stability, as well as limiting his presidency to two terms, leading to the first ever democratic transition of power in Niger.

Issoufou said he was honored to be appointed to the Muslim Council of Elders while praising the Grand Imam's trust in selecting him to the prestigious role.

Issoufou also remarked that the Council is playing an important role in supporting peace efforts and stability in Africa and around the world as well as combating all forms of extremism, hate, and racism, while also correcting misconceptions about Islam and Muslims.

The Muslim Council of Elders is an independent international organization that promotes peace in Muslim communities by discouraging conflict and other issues leading to divisiveness. The Council is comprised of various Muslim scholars hailed for their wisdom, justice, independence, and moderateness. The Council strives to represent diverse Muslim communities and encourages reconciliation to prevent foreign intervention, divisiveness, and conflict among these communities.