West African Muslim youth exchange viewpoints on Islam and peace in Africa

Title

West African Muslim youth exchange viewpoints on Islam and peace in Africa

Creator

Celestine Tanty Agbonon

Godwin Kotè Agueton

Publisher

Togo-Presse

Date

2 September 2004

Abstract

The Islamic Cultural Center in Lome has been hosting since last Tuesday a meeting gathering the West African Muslim youth. The meeting is organized by the UMT (Togo Muslim Union) with the help of the World Association for Appeal to Islam. The theme is: “Islam and Peace in Africa”.

Page(s)

8

number of pages

1

Subject

Idrissou Sakibou Traoré

Gnassingbé Eyadéma

Agouta Ouyenga

Palestine

Centre Culturel Islamique de Lomé II

Coopération arabe

Association Mondiale de l'Appel Islamique

Union Musulmane du Togo

Mouammar Kadhafi

Spatial Coverage

Lomé

Togo

Contributor

Frédérick Madore

content

The Islamic Cultural Center in Lome has been hosting since last Tuesday a meeting gathering the West African Muslim youth. The meeting is organized by the UMT (Togo Muslim Union) with the help of the World Association for Appeal to Islam. The theme is: “Islam and Peace in Africa”.

During five days, the young Muslims from all parts of the Sub-Region will review the Islam's contribution to peace in the world. They will also acquire much knowledge and exchange viewpoints in order to assume more responsibility face to the great current problems.

In his opening speech, the Minister of the Youth and Sports, Mr. Agouta Ouyenga rejoiced over the young Muslims’ attachment to Islam values and their commitment to solve problems encountered by the Muslim youth in Africa which is often shaken by political, social and religious crises. According to Mr. Agouta Ouyenga, the crises are caused by illiteracy, religious misunderstandings, lack of self-control, etc. He did not fail to congratulate the participants on the theme chosen, for, he said, no development is possible without peace. That is the reason why, he added, the Head of State strives to find ways and means to bring back peace wherever it is threatened, particularly in Africa.

Mr. Ouyenga also recalled some values of Muslims, including sobriety, temperance, generosity and gentleness.

Earlier, Mr. Khalifa Fathi, Abdellatif Oulad Aovid, Representative of the World Association for Appeal to Islam and Mr. Idrissou Sakibou Traoré, General Director of the Islamic Cultural Center of Lomé, also Chairman of the UMT (Togo Muslim Union) noted the importance of their meeting and was grateful to the participants. They rejoiced at the event which, according to them, will allow the youth to share their knowledge with their fellows from other countries. It will also help them to reinforce their respect for the recommendations of the Holy Koran and avoid manipulations by politicians.

They expressed their gratitude to the UMT and the World Association for appeal to Islam for their initiative and financial assistance for the success of the meeting. They were especially grateful to Presidents Eyadèma and Kadhafi regarding their concern for the Muslim community in Togo.

They also wished that such meetings be opportunities to consolidate peace and solidarity within the Sub-Region.

Celestine Tanty AGBONON

Godwin Kotè AGUETON