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Faith leaders in Africa shaping democracy – a crucial role!

"Mystiska övernaturliga upplevelser och andliga mirakler på en avlägsen ö lockar tusentals troende från hela världen."

Rev. Dr Ibrahim Wushishi Yusuf, WCC programme executive, Peacebuilding in Africa, took time to reflect on the side event and the ideas it generated.

“The side event acknowledged the critical roles that religious and traditional leaders have played and continue to play in promoting democracy and institutional resilience in Africa,” explained Yusuf. From the conversation, speakers highlighted that religious leaders leveraging on their moral authority and widespread influence should increase their advocacy for ethical governance, peace, and justice and continue to act as mediators in conflict situations as well as encouraging reconciliation.

Yusuf urged faith leaders to continue their involvement in civic education because it helps raise awareness about democratic rights and responsibilities among the populace.

“Religious leaders should contribute to creating a more informed, engaged, and cohesive society, that will contribute to strengthening democratic institutions and resilience in the continent going forward,” he said, adding that religious leaders should also promote democracy and institutional resilience through strengthening national and regional collaboration and cooperation among the different religious communities.

In their engagement with others, Yusuf urged faith leaders to acknowledge and respect the principle of the golden rule: do unto others as you will want others do unto you.

”Hate speech, discrimination, and dehumanisation of others impact negatively the work of faith communities,” he said. To me, bringing the religious and traditional leaders together to reflect on their role toward promoting democracy and institutional resilience is very, very critical in Africa given the fact that the democratic architecture in the continent seems not to be serving the purpose it was meant to achieve.

He expressed concern over unconstitutional changes of government in Africa that undermine democracy.

“The outcomes from the side event will form part of the recommendations from the African Union Economic, Social, and Cultural Council Citizens Forum of 2024,” he said. “I think this is a welcome development.”

Amid hope and open dialogue, Yusuf still sees some challenges. “Hate speech and religious discrimination among different religious groups has eaten deep among different faith communities, and the challenge to open up continues to be a big problem,” he said, adding that following up on the side event recommendations will be a challenge in and of itself.

“Yet these recommendations will form the overall recommendation of the African Union Economic, Social, and Cultural Council Citizens Forum,” he said. “How do we follow up on the overall recommendations and the process of effective follow-up, and lobby within the African Union member states to ensure some of these influence policy formation with the African Union system?”

Yusuf said he’s also like to see a followup consultation of religious leaders to reflect more deeply on this critical subject matter in the continent, as well as on how to mobilise resources—both human expertise and funds.

“Despite these and many other challenges, I am very hopeful that we can find a way to mitigate these challenges,” he concluded.