Ouagadougou: Muslim faithful were invited on Sunday in Ouagadougou, during a public conference, to promote patriotism, social justice, and interreligious dialogue in order to contribute to the consolidation of peace and social cohesion in Burkina Faso.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the conference drew on Quranic teachings, with speaker Ibrahim Drabo inviting believers to justice, righteousness, and respect for human dignity. Drabo emphasized that a Muslim must be a peacemaker and a role model within his community, highlighting that justice, truth, and service to the community are fundamental values of Islam. He stressed the importance of prioritizing national unity and living together, given the current situation in Burkina Faso.

Drabo argued that loving one's country involves working honestly, respecting others, and contributing to the stability of the country. He also emphasized the need for religious leaders and citizens to embody the values they preach in their daily lives, stating that social cohesion begins in families, neighborhoods, markets, and places of service.

The conference, held under the theme "Patriotism and interreligious dialogue," was initiated by the Kadiogo provincial section of the Muslim Association for the Support of Islam at the Jean-Pierre Guingane Youth and Culture Palace in Cissin. Speakers Abdramane Gnessien and Housseyn Sore also developed the theme in Dioula and Moore, respectively, to ensure the messages reached different social strata.

In their speeches, the speakers called on the public to avoid hate speech and communal divisions, advocating for ongoing dialogue between religions and communities to preserve social peace. The Kadiogo provincial president of the Association, Issa Zo, praised the strong turnout of participants, noting that the conference aims to highlight the role of religious values in consolidating peace and social cohesion in Burkina Faso.

Zo also paid tribute to Asseid Cherif Ousmane Madani Hadara for his teachings in favor of peace, tolerance, and fraternity between peoples. The meeting concluded with blessings and prayers for the return of peace, security, and social cohesion to Burkina Faso.

This public conference was part of the celebration of the 71st anniversary of the birth of the spiritual guide of the An§ars, Asseid Cherif Ousmane Madani Hadara, under the patronage of Cheick Moaze Ouedraogo.