‘Down with France, down with Charlie’ shouted protesters in Niger on Saturday (January 17).<br /><br /> Hundreds took part in violent demonstrations in the capital Niamey in retaliation for the publication of satirical cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in Charlie Hebdo magazine. <br /><br /> The latest protest in the former French colony was sparked by the authorities’ decision to ban a meeting of Muslim leaders. Police sources have confirmed four preachers suspected of convening the meeting were later arrested.<br /><br /> Demonstrators threw rocks and set fire to a number of churches in the capital. A police station was also attacked and two police cars set on fire. <br /><br /> No casualties have been reported as a result of Saturday’s rallies. However five people were killed in similar protests in the capital a day earlier.<br /><br /> The French embassy has warned its citizens to remain indoors.<br /><br /> There are also reports of violent demonstrations in regional towns. Churches are said to have been set on fire in Maradi, 600 kilometre
