West African leaders seek ban on burqa to prevent terror attacks

Following an increase in the number of female suicide bombers in Nigeria, West Africa is seeking to ban the burqa – the traditional dress worn by Muslim women.

High-Level Seminar on Peace & Security in Africa opened in #Oran today by #Algeria's MinFA, H.E. Ramtane Lamamra. pic.twitter.com/oUEqqWYg0P

— African Union Peace (@AU_PSD) 20 Décembre 2015

At the latest meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) the leaders expressed concern over how the burqa is being used as a safe disguise to escape authorities.

Each country of ECOWAS is invited to act in light of its national conditions, states the final communiqué of the summit.

La #Cédéao recommande l’interdiction du port de la #Burqa
https://t.co/bE2KfYuyFu #Terrorisme pic.twitter.com/qN4Ee5Gl6J

— TOGO (@republicoftogo) 18 Décembre 2015

Niger, a predominantly Muslim country and also affected by terrorist attacks had adopted the measure in July in the Diffa region.

In Central Africa, Congo was the first country to ban the wearing of the full veil. It was later followed by Chad and Cameroon.