The Islamic organisation, Jam’iyya Ansarideen Tijjaniya, in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is set to host a West African Islamic Conference.
The Conference aimed at addressing issues of security and governance in the sub-region.
The three-day event, scheduled to hold from November 4 to 6 in Abuja, will bring together Islamic scholars, government officials, and stakeholders from across West Africa to deliberate on ways to promote peace, unity, and good governance within member states.
During a press briefing, the organisation’s National Secretary, Muhammad Al-Qasim Yahaya, announced the upcoming conference, which is centred on the theme “The Role of Islamic Organisations in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism in West Africa and the Sahel.”
Ustaz Yahaya stated that “the forthcoming conference will emphasise the implementation of regional counterterrorism measures and the necessity of employing non-kinetic approaches to effectively address the issue of violent extremism.”
“The role of religion as a tool in maintaining peace and security for sustainable development cannot be overemphasised,” he said.
He noted that the Sahel region is facing a severe security crisis, adding: “The Sahel region is facing a severe security crisis, with terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping on the rise.”
According to him, the conference will also address the issue of out-of-school children and the Almajiri system, with discussions centred on: “Reviewing the traditional Islamic school system and its relation to insecurity in the region.
“Increasing awareness of the dangers of marginalisation of traditional Islamic school goers for regional security.
Improving the system of education and countering religious extremism.
“Adopting a mechanism for regulating religious practices that compromise state security and individual safety,” he said.
Yahaya stated that the conference will convene Islamic scholars, government officials, representatives from international organisations, security experts, and others to engage in discussions regarding significant issues impacting the West African region.
Oyenike Oyeniyi