NIAMEY, Sept 8 (AFP) - Moslem "action commandos" have become one of the biggest obstacles in the fight against AIDS in Niger, according to medical professionals in Niamey.

Figures from the health ministry in the capital of the mainly desert nation in west Africa show that more than 5,000 people suffer from AIDS in Niger, where 90 percent of inhabitants are Moslem.

AIDS experts say that in 1994, when the government launched a five-year plan to fight the disease, Islamic associations expressed their hostility towards awareness campaigns.

Islamic members would often disrupt seminars and conferences on the issue, while prostitutes -- considered by Islamists as vectors of the virus -- were subjected to severe, punitive measures.

And those responsible for campaigns promoting condom use often received death threats by Moslem extremists.

"We are always fearful of reprisals from Islamists and therefore do not dare to go out in the field," said Nabirni Mahamadou, an AIDS educator with the aid organisation "How to better live with AIDS."

Under pressure from Moslem organisations, radio and television have been stations forced to stop broadcasting messages promoting condom use, while all public displays such as billboards or posters are no longer visible in the capital.

One social worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said he suspected Islamic militants of having removed all signs of public awareness.

"We have a wooden penis for explaining how to use a condom, but we never take it out in public," said Mahamadou.

So as not to incur the wrath of Moslems, his aid organisation holds discreet, local meetings on Saturday, where young people and prostitutes take part in awareness discussions.

Videos are also discreetly shown in certain schools, he said.

In contrast, the campaign against "western methods of prevention," is very much public, with marabouts, or respected traditional healers, using sermons and media spots as forums for their message.

"For Moslems, abstinence and fidelity are the only acceptable means to avoid AIDS," said a marabout in a television programme broadcast on Saturday.

"A condom remains an instrument which invites debauchery and adultery," said Elhadj Noufou, an imam in Niamey.

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