Democracy in Progress: Ivoirian religious leaders provide recipe for peace and social cohesion February 26, 20
U.S. Embassy Abidjan organized Democracy in Progress, its monthly radio debate program, on the theme: “Role of religious leaders in promoting peace and social cohesion.” The discussion, led by Imam Djiguiba Cisse, the director of Radio Al Bayane, and Norbert Eric Abekan, a senior Catholic priest, brought together more than 100 participants, including religious leaders, representatives of political parties, members of the civil society organizations, journalists, and students. “The role of religious leaders is very important,” said Imam Djiguiba Cisse. With reference to the principle of secularism in Côte d’Ivoire, Imam Cisse proposed that the religious leaders should stick to their major responsibility of educating their followers on morality to forestall any situation that could undermine social cohesion. He called on religious leaders to join their forces to help advance democracy. “We cannot remain silent over any action that could jeopardize peace and social cohesion,” said Norbert Eric Abekan. “We have to use every opportunity to ensure that peace prevails in the country,” he added.