The 2nd African Union Interfaith Dialogue Forum has elected a 12-member Steering Committee, representing the different regions, religions, including African Traditional Religions, to build partnerships among Africa’s interfaith and faith-based organizations to prevent religious extremism and promote harmony on the continent.
A statement by the organisers of the event, the Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) of the African Union Commission and the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) that is based in Vienna, Austria said that the 12-member committee will partner with the African Union, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and other peace-building organizations.
It will develop a 10-year interfaith development agenda for all African Union member states based on Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030 and a five year strategic plan; create an evaluation strategy for the Steering Committee, among others.
The delegates who were elected to serve on the AU Interfaith Steering Committee include Dr. Kamal Boraiqa (Al-Azhar University, Egypt) (Prof) Eale Bosela (AACC, Kenya), Rev. Sr. Agatha Chikelue (African Women of Faith Network, Nigeria, Mr. Yassine Mohammed Da Costa Ali, Civil Society, Mozambique, Pastor Zerihun Degu (Inter-religious Council, Ethiopia) and Deolinda Dorcas Teca (Council of Churches, Angola).
Others are Ms. Saydoon Sayed (African Women of Faith Network, South Africa), Imam Kone Ibrahima (National Religious Forum, Cote d’Ivoire), Imam Kobine Layama (President of Islamic Community, Central African Republic), Mr. Belall Maudarbux, (Inter-religious Council of Mauritius), Pastor James Wuye, (Interfaith Mediation Centre, Nigeria) and Amb. Ezzedine Zayani (Tunisia)
The Forum acknowledged the important role of the media in the promotion of peace among adherents of various faiths in the continent, and called for enhanced media awareness of religious issues through training for journalists that are reporting on religions affairs.
It also stressed the need for different media in Africa to be encouraged promotion of inter-religious and intercultural dialogue and good practices in the African countries, among other strategies.
The statement said that apart from creating engagement directed specifically to family, children, youth and women and taking concrete steps to address hate speech and to counter hate, bullying and discrimination through positive speech, tolerance and constructive dialogue in Africa, the forum calls for a stronger partnership among interfaith and faith-based organizations.
The Forum also called upon religious and traditional leaders in Africa to work together with the African Union, its member countries, and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in order to promote a culture of peace and inter-religious and inter-cultural constructive dialogue.
The Forum also declared its commitment to the promotion of peace and reconciliation through the teachings of the different Holy books in churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and all Worship places; introduction of peace education as part of the school curriculum, university programmes and theological institutions to promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among human beings in all their diversity of religion, belief, culture and language, among others. [myad]
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