Ouagadougou: The Ittihad Islami movement of Burkina Faso celebrated Eid al-Adha on Wednesday at the Nonsin neighborhood racetrack in Ouagadougou, under the leadership of its leader, Cheick Doukour©, who called for national unity, the strengthening of social cohesion, and support for the armed forces.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the religious leader emphasized four essential pillars for overcoming the security challenges in Burkina Faso: prayer, national unity, commitment to the causes of strength, and prioritizing the nation’s best interests. ‘The only thing that unites us all is Burkina Faso. We must therefore defend it with all our strength,’ he declared. Cheick Aboubacar Doukour© also highlighted the solidarity of Christians with Muslims and advocated for strengthening interreligious dialogue and cooperation between different faiths.
Cheick Aboubacar Doukour© expressed gratitude to the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor©, and the government for their consideration towards various components of the nation, particularly the Muslim community. ‘It is therefore our duty to be with you in our hearts and prayers,’ he affirmed. The day’s prayer was attended by a government delegation led by the Minister in charge of Secondary Education, Moumouni Zoungrana, along with a delegation from the Catholic Church led by Cardinal Philippe Ou©draogo and representatives of customary authorities.
Minister Zoungrana conveyed “very fraternal support from comrade Captain Ibrahim Traor© to all Muslims in Burkina Faso.” Accompanied by the Minister in charge of Solidarity, Lieutenant-Colonel Passowend© P©lagie Kabor©/Kabor©, and the Minister Delegate in charge of Animal Resources, Amadou Dicko, he praised the role of religious leaders in preserving social cohesion and national unity. The minister invited the faithful to spare a thought for the fighting forces engaged on the front lines, likening them to a candle burning itself out to bring light.
Moumouni Zoungrana urged religious leaders to continue their efforts in favor of peace and coexistence, citing the history of Burkina Faso as evidence of the importance of understanding between peoples. ‘It is our duty to hold the torch high in order to pass on this indivisible Burkina Faso to our children,’ he argued.