The Grand Imam, “We seek to achieve societal peace and counter extremism in Africa”

     While meeting an African delegation, the Grand Imam, “Al-Azhar has led local and global initiatives to combat violence and extremism in Africa and the world”.

     On Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, His Eminence, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Aḥmed Aṭ-Ṭayyeb, received the delegation of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), headed by Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, Chairman of the Mechanism’s Prominent Figures Committee and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria.

     The Grand Imam said that Al-Azhar has led many local and international initiatives to combat violence and counter extremism in Africa and the world. Such initiatives include our initiatives with the Pope of the Vatican, which have been culminated in the signing of the Human Fraternity Document, to emphasize that religions cannot at all be involved in any act of extremism or terrorism.

     He emphasized that Al-Azhar contributes to establishing the principles of peaceful coexistence all over Africa, as well as achieving development and awareness of the dangers of extremism and terrorism. Such goals can be achieved through Al-Azhar advocacy and relief missions and convoys of peace, as well as through scholarships provided by Al-Azhar to the students of Africa, noting that Al-Azhar receives more than 5,000 African students studying various academic fields.

     The Grand Imam also explained that Al-Azhar has opened the way for African students to study other various scientific disciplines, in addition to Sharῑ‛a subjects. They can join the faculties of medicine, engineering, agriculture and other practical colleges, in contribution to achieving the developmental goals of Africa, showing that it is our belief [at Al-Azhar] that the continent is in need of physicians and engineers in the same way as it needs mosque imams and preachers.

     On his part, Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, Chairman of the APRM, said that the mechanism aims to discuss issues related to governance and its challenges inside Africa. On top of these challenges are terrorism and extremism. They are the main obstacles to economic and social development in Africa. They also hinder the achievement of actual and successful governance in African countries.

     Gambari also expressed his aspiration that Al-Azhar will provide support to APRM, in parallel with the great role Al-Azhar plays in confronting extremism and terrorism in Africa. This is anticipated to help achieving developmental goals and establishing peace and social security in the continent.