Nigeria Faith Leaders Sign Interfaith Peace Accord

More than 50 Muslim and Christian leaders have signed an interfaith peace accord in Abuja aimed at promoting religious harmony across Nigeria.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday at a conference organised by the Muslim World League, a Saudi-based Islamic non-governmental organisation. The accord also establishes a new body to promote cooperation between the two faiths.

Nigeria, with a population of more than 200 million people, is roughly divided between a predominantly Muslim north and a largely Christian south, while followers of traditional religions are also present.

The need for greater religious cooperation gained international attention last November when US President Donald Trump described Nigeria as a “disgraced country” and threatened military action over what he said was the persecution of Christians by Islamic militants.

Muslim World League Secretary-General Mohammad Al-Issa said the agreement reflected a desire among Christians and Muslims to turn a new page.

Christian and Muslim leaders described the pact as a turning point and called for an end to inflammatory rhetoric. John Praise Daniel, chairman of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders’ Assembly, said the agreement should help curb hate speech and religious insults.

Khalid Abubakar, secretary-general of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, said the accord was not about abandoning religious beliefs but about working together peacefully.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin said the government remained committed to keeping Nigeria united despite its differences.

SOURCE: Reuters