From the Worldwide Faith News archives www.wfn.org


Ghanaian Traditional Chief Cites Intolerance as Major Cause of


From "Frank Imhoff" <frank_imhoff@elca.org>
Date Mon, 28 Jun 2004 07:04:08 -0500

Ghanaian Traditional Chief Cites Intolerance as Major Cause of
Conflict in Africa
Religious Leaders Uniquely Placed to Advance Peace 

HO, Ghana/GENEVA, 28 June 2004 (LWI) - Ghanaian Paramount Chief
Togbe Afede XIV, has appealed for tolerance and reciprocal
respect among Africa's peoples, saying conflict was one reason
why the continent had grown poorer over the past 25 years.

The regional leader of Ho-Asogli state in the Volta region,
urged African governments to endeavor to strengthen peace by
working toward a more equal and just society.

In a candid presentation during the opening session of the West
African Inter-Faith Peace Summit in Ghana's northeastern city
of Ho, Afede XIV cited tribalism, intolerance, poverty, excessive
politicization of governance and corruption as some of the most
significant causes of conflicts in Africa.

"While we work for the resolution of the various conflicts in
Africa, it is important that we do not forget to work toward the
prevention of conflict in areas where there is a semblance of
peace," Afede XIV told religious representatives attending the
June 23-24 summit organized by the Inter-Faith Action for Peace
in Africa (IFAPA). 

He noted that religious leaders were uniquely placed to advance
the cause of peace in Africa as religion played a central role in
the people's lives. "We should remind African politicians that
while they pursue power, others desire peaceful enjoyment of
their lives. They should also remember that [very often], those
who profess support for us constitute a greater threat than those
who oppose us."

He further urged African governments to ensure that the
continent does not remain a problem for the world but provides an
opportunity to enhance growth, prosperity, global peace and
development. 

IFAPA coordinator Sheikh Saliou Mbacki, reported on the
significant achievements in the implementation of a plan of
action adopted at the first continent-wide inter-faith summit in
Johannesburg, South Africa two years ago.

He cited the formation of the Sudan Inter-Religious Council as
an opportunity for the country's religious communities to play
a significant role in facilitating a "communication corridor"
between the northern and southern regions in the implementation
of the peace process.

Mbacki said inter-faith initiatives facilitated the
establishment of the first contact between Ethiopian and Eritrean
religious communities and faith groups. "We believe that as a
consequence, an inter-faith body will be formed soon in Eritrea
that will strengthen inter-religious dialogue and co-operation
for peace," he said.

The IFAPA coordinator also announced plans to convene a
women's forum in the context of the second continent-wide
inter-faith peace summit scheduled for the latter part of this
year in North Africa. Women, he stressed, play "a key yet
under-acknowledged role in peace making in African society." 

He said the impact of violence between different groups in parts
of Nigeria had made religious communities there aware of the need
for dialogue. This, he noted, resulted in the 2001 creation of
the Association of Christian-Muslim Relations in Nigeria, which
has been very active in preventing conflict and promoting peace.
IFAPA's long-term objective, he stressed, is to establish
strong inter-religious networks, and encourage a sense of
self-ownership on the part of the respective faith communities.

Mbacki said the implementation of IFAPA's first phase would
terminate with the convening of the second continent-wide summit.
He added: "With this ambitious program we want to believe that
concerted inter-faith action for peace will change the face of
conflict in Africa." (562 words)

(By Kenyan-based correspondent Noel Okoth, reporting on the
West African Summit on behalf of LWI.)

(The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the
Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund (Sweden), the LWF now
has 136 member churches in 76 countries representing 62.3 million
of the almost 66 million Lutherans worldwide. The LWF acts on
behalf of its member churches in areas of common interest such as
ecumenical and inter-faith relations, theology, humanitarian
assistance, human rights, communication, and the various aspects
of mission and development work. Its secretariat is located in
Geneva, Switzerland.)

[Lutheran World Information (LWI) is the LWF's information
service. Unless specifically noted, material presented does not
represent positions or opinions of the LWF or of its various
units. Where the dateline of an article contains the notation
(LWI), the material may be freely reproduced with
acknowledgment.]

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