A prominent leader commended the regional body for its leadership and urged continued collaboration between governments and religious institutions. The commitment to regional peace and security is a beacon of hope for citizens. The goal should be to create a region where every individual can live in peace, security, and dignity. Faith-based organizations play a crucial role in promoting social cohesion, peacebuilding, and moral education across the subregion.
The forum aimed to design an action plan that leverages the influence of Islamic organizations in countering terrorism through non-kinetic means. Participants affirmed that authentic Islamic teachings promote peace, justice, and respect for human life, principles that reject all forms of violence. Poverty, unemployment, political marginalization, and weak governance were identified as key enablers of extremist recruitment. Stakeholders were urged to implement strategies to improve Islamic education and counter violent extremism.
With over 40 million children out of school and terrorism-related deaths increasing by 10 percent in the past decade, there is an urgent need to empower Islamic organizations to promote peace, tolerance, and coexistence while strengthening cross-border cooperation.
The event was described as a clear success, reaffirming the belief in unity and collective action for peace in West Africa. Representatives from 21 countries shared experiences on regional peace initiatives. The focus was on developing better non-kinetic approaches and strengthening the role of respected Islamic leaders in fostering stability across West Africa and the Sahel. Collaboration, information sharing, and community involvement are crucial to achieving lasting peace.
Inclusivity is essential in tackling insecurity, requiring collaboration between Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other faiths. Terrorism and extremism have no religion—even humanity itself rejects violence. Ongoing education reforms, particularly efforts to modernize traditional systems, were welcomed. However, private and community initiatives must complement government investment in education, as no West African country allocates the recommended 26 percent of the national budget to education.
Partnerships with international bodies are being developed to improve infrastructure in traditional schools while preserving their cultural identity. Parents were urged to take responsibility for their children’s education and welfare, linking knowledge to social and economic empowerment.
In response to external remarks on security challenges, faith and unity remain central to sustaining peace. Religious leaders rely on prayer and belief to promote compassion and love, continuing to advocate for unity among all faiths. Terrorism and all forms of violence were outrightly rejected, emphasizing that religion and violence have no connection. All religions seek to preserve human dignity and uphold humanity.
The three-day conference featured multiple sessions exploring economic, social, and political drivers of radicalization. Delegates examined reforms in traditional Islamic education, youth empowerment, and community resilience. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a regional declaration outlining strategies to strengthen Islamic organizations’ roles in fostering peace and stability.