Today, mgr. Bertram Meier (Augsburg), president of the Commission for International Church Affairs of the German Bishops’ Conference (DBK), started a one-week solidarity visit to Nigeria. Africa’s most populated country, with a population of approximately 220 million, is faced with a difficult economic situation, armed conflict and an ever-increasing number of abductions all over the country. During his visit, mgr. Meier mainly wishes to get an idea of the situation of the local Christian community and express his solidarity. Especially in northern Nigeria and in the so-called “Middle Belt”, many people have been affected for years by violent conflicts and attacks. While Islamic groups such as Boko Haram are still active in the north, the number of attacks and abductions by criminal gangs is rising all over the country. Add to this the bloody conflict going on over use of the land among the mostly-Muslim Fulani shepherds and the mostly-Christian farmers of Central Nigeria. Ethnic and economic causes behind such attacks are being more and more often overshadowed by religion, and that’s why local interreligious dialogue might play a crucial role. In Abuja, the capital, mgr. Meier will meet with the archbishop, mgr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, who is working hard for peace and interreligious dialogue. The programme also includes meetings with other church leaders and organisations promoting the peaceful cohabitation of Muslims and Christians. In Abuja, mgr. Meier will also visit the archdioceses of Kaduna and Jos, where the population is hit particularly hard by violent conflicts.