Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire — African faith leaders have been urged to resort to their various religions and reflect over their common humanity in order to find a lasting solution to African suffering.
This was the general message reiterated by various speakers at the opening ceremony of a international symposium on inter-faith dialogue currently underway in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan.
The three-day event, which is being jointly organized by the King Mohammed Foundation of African Oulema (Islamic Scholars) and the Higher Council for Imams, Mosques, and Islamic Affairs (COSIM) is under the theme: “ The eternal message of religions”. It’s being attended by about 600 leaders of various faith groups including leading members of the King Mohammed foundation of African Oulema from 34 countries on the continent.
In his opening remarks, the General Secretary of the King Mohammed VI Foundation of African Oulema, Sidi Mohammed Rifqi called on African Muslim scholars and other faith groups to reflect on the human weakness taking root in the African societies by consolidating the divine elements in the lives of various faith groups – in order to unravel the reasons for the endless suffering on the continent and find a lasting solution to them.
Dr. Rifqi observed that Africa is a relatively young continent “full promise and hope, but plagued by trauma, suffering and conflict” – adding that there is “the need to carry the word of God and give substance to the merciful virtues” which guarantees happiness to humanity.
On the need for inter-faith dialogue, he asserted that regardless of our different approaches to analyzing African societies, we “cannot understand them without envisioning the culture of dialogue and fraternal solidarity” as a way of co-existence.
“Dialogue and fraternal solidarity among all Africans are, above all, a state of mind. It is a way of living by talking to one another, and by inventing ways to understand and help one another. Therefore, this involves a fraternal language, to be invented and endlessly reinvented”, he reiterated.
Reflecting on Africa’s glorious past, Dr. Rifqi said “ we live in a community of African history, which has always been characterized by a never-ending process of cultural enrichment.”- adding that the Kingdom of Morocco, has under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI – managed to promote spiritual peace, tolerance, dialogue and solidarity – along with Côte d’Ivoire and other African countries.
On his part, Abdulrahman Sissay, the Representative of the Ivorian President, commended the King Mohammed Foundation of African Oulema’s efforts in promoting moderate and tolerant Islam – asserting that this was a wakeup call for the Ivorian government to rise up against violent extremism in some parts of the country.
He emphasized that the presence of the country’s Minister for National Reconciliation indicates the commitment of his government towards consolidating the foundation of mutual co-existence among different faith groups.
The president of the Cote d’Ivoire branch of the foundation, Shiekh Mustapha Sonta said the foundation was seeking to strengthen means of enhancing peaceful co-existence with other religions even as it expresses its worry about the global state of affairs which mainly affects the image of Islam and Muslims – while commending the “We are all Believers” declaration of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
On his part, the President of COSIM, Shiekh Ousmane Diaketi thanked other religious groups for their participation while asserting that the choice of Abidjan as the host of this symposium reinforces the country’s renowned image as “the capital for inter-religious dialogue” – which is a good choice for entire Africa.
The President of the Local Oulema Council of Beni Mellal, Dr. Said Chabar, who represented the Secretary General of the Higher Oulema Council of Morocco, observed that “All prophets called for peace, security, brotherhood, love, loyalty, cooperation and guidance towards lofty morals” – adding that the historic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Morroco back in 2019 strengthened Morocco’s position as a leading advocate for interfaith dialogue.
For a comprehensive approach towards a lasting solution to religious radicalization, religious stereotypes and prejudice, the meeting has been structured into five main thematic areas such as the role of: the family and the school, the Ivorian and African civil society, training and sensitization of religious leaders, religions, communication and preaching, as well as public authorities and reigious stakeholders in facing up to the phenomenon of radicalization and violent religious extremism.
At the end of the symposium, a binding document to be known as – “The Abidjan Declaration” will be issued to serve as the “Road Map” in implementing the various recommendation emanating from the five thematic sessions.
The King Mohammed Foundation of African Oulema is a grouping of African Muslim scholars from 34 countries established in 2015 – by His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco with the main aim of uniting and consolidating the efforts of African Muslim scholars to promote moderate Islamic principles of tolerance, peace and inter-religious dialogue.