Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Calls for Establishing a Committee of African Figures and Prominent Religious Leaders to Ease Crises and Conflicts in the Sahel and Horn of Africa
Former President of Niger Committed to Cooperating with Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to Promote Human Fraternity in Africa
Former President of Niger Praises the Grand Imam’s Efforts in Entrenching Dialogue and Peace
His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, affirmed that the world is currently passing through a phase of turmoil and the erosion of standards, becoming more violent and distanced from the human values that form the essence of religions. He noted that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders remain steadfast in fulfilling their mission to spread peace and coexistence among peoples, despite the escalating conflicts facing the world.
During a meeting with Mahamadou Issoufou, former President of Niger and member of the Muslim Council of Elders, the Grand Imam stated that hope for achieving peace and human coexistence remains alive, even amid the chaos and dominance of materialistic civilization. He pointed to a faint light at the end of a dark tunnel that occasionally emerges to renew hope in the ability to halt wars and conflicts—particularly following the recognition of the Palestinian state by several countries and the Sharm El Sheikh peace agreement to end the aggression against innocent civilians in Gaza.
Regarding Africa, His Eminence proposed the formation of a committee composed of prominent African figures and religious leaders who are well-known for their wisdom, integrity, and commitment to dialogue. The committee’s mission would be to alleviate crises and conflicts in the Sahel and Horn of Africa regions. He also affirmed the readiness of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to fully support the committee’s work and initiatives, serving the future of the “Golden Continent,” enhancing the utilization of its resources, and reinforcing unity and shared solidarity.
For his part, the former President of Niger expressed his appreciation for His Eminence’s global efforts in promoting peace and human fraternity, as well as presenting the true image of Islam. He commended the endeavors of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in advancing dialogue and peace, emphasizing that this role has become increasingly vital amid the wars and crises afflicting the world—particularly in Gaza, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa. He also noted that the world is currently experiencing a genuine crisis of values.
The former President of Niger welcomed the Grand Imam’s proposal to establish a committee of African elders to defuse conflicts and tensions that some seek to ignite among neighboring African nations. He stressed that peace is the fundamental pillar of stability and development, and that eradicating poverty and disease in Africa will only be achieved by entrenching peace. He urged His Eminence to intensify visits to African nations to deliver a message of peace to its peoples and support nations facing instability.