International conference in Dakar: Advocacy for strengthening awareness of the culture of peace and cohabitation in Africa (final declaration)
Dakar – Moroccan and African thinkers and ulemas underlined, Saturday in Dakar, the need to organize more scientific conferences to deepen awareness of the culture of peace and peaceful coexistence, and consolidate religious constants in the service of human brotherhood in the African continent.
In the final declaration which sanctioned the work of an international conference under the theme “the values of peace and living together in the African context”, initiated as part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the construction of the Grand Mosque of Dakar in Senegal, participants called for the organization of workshops and debates to support peace issues in African countries, in the sense that they constitute a vital vector to fight against the risks of extremism and of fanaticism which fuels hatred in various African societies.
They considered it wise to consolidate cooperation with Senegalese academic and religious institutions of common interest and to take advantage of new technologies through communication by videoconference to exchange points of view around the dissemination of the values of love and peace. as well as moderation and the golden mean.
This international conference focused on numerous areas, including shared religious values, spiritual values and their presence in the human sciences, the role of the institution of the Commandery of Believers in the protection of religious values, and the strengthening of values. human commons in the light of religious pluralism in African societies.
This two-day international conference, organized by the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema, aspires not only to highlight the role of shared religious values in the preservation of spiritual security and social cohesion, but also the depth of historical and spiritual relationships. between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal, crossing the reigns of the late HM Mohammed V and the late HM Hassan II, may God rest their souls, culminating in that of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, President of the Foundation.
What are the key strategies for promoting peace in African communities as discussed in the international conference?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Amina Diallo, Expert in Peace Studies
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Diallo! Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent international conference in Dakar focused on peace and cohabitation in Africa. Can you start by outlining the main goals of this conference?
Dr. Amina Diallo (AD): Thank you for having me! The conference aimed to raise awareness of the culture of peace and peaceful coexistence across Africa. One of the key messages from the event was the urgent need for more scientific gatherings like this one, which can deepen our understanding of peacebuilding and explore religious constants that support human brotherhood.
TNE: That sounds incredibly vital. What were some of the takeaways in terms of specific actions or strategies proposed during the conference?
AD: One of the significant proposals was to organize regular conferences and workshops that encourage intellectual exchange among various stakeholders, including scholars, religious leaders, and community advocates. Creating platforms for dialogue can help address the underlying issues causing conflict in many African societies. Additionally, the importance of integrating traditional values and local practices into the peacebuilding process was emphasized.
TNE: Integrating local practices sounds interesting. How do you think this can effectively contribute to fostering peace in diverse communities?
AD: Absolutely! Local practices often embody the cultural wisdom and historical narratives of communities. By incorporating these into peacebuilding efforts, we can create solutions that resonate more profoundly with the people’s identities. This approach nurtures ownership of peace initiatives and promotes a sustainable culture of coexistence.
TNE: The conference was part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Grand Mosque of Dakar. How does the role of religious institutions come into play in promoting peace in Africa?
AD: Religious institutions, like the Grand Mosque, play a pivotal role in shaping societal values and behaviors. They can serve as mediators in conflict situations and disseminators of messages of tolerance and harmony. Moreover, engagements from religious leaders can mobilize communities towards collective action, significantly influencing attitudes toward coexistence and peace.
TNE: In your view, what challenges remain in realizing the vision proposed at the conference?
AD: One major challenge is the diverse interpretations of peace and conflict across different cultures and religions in Africa. Reconciling these varying perspectives requires patience, empathy, and ongoing dialogue. Additionally, persistent socio-economic issues such as poverty and inequality pose significant hurdles that need urgent attention to create a conducive environment for peace.
TNE: It sounds like a multifaceted challenge indeed. As a final thought, what message would you like to share with our readers regarding the importance of this conference for the future of Africa?
AD: The conference in Dakar serves as a powerful reminder that building peace is a collective responsibility that transcends borders and cultures. It highlighted the shared values that bind us despite our differences. I urge everyone to actively engage in dialogues about peace in their communities and support initiatives that promote understanding and coexistence. Together, we can forge a more peaceful Africa for future generations.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Diallo. Your insights are invaluable, and we appreciate you sharing your expertise with us today!
AD: Thank you for the opportunity! I hope to see continued discussions around this vital topic.