Muslim leaders across Africa have been called to join hands in the war against violent extremism.
Rosa Malango, a UN official has urged Muslim leaders to join efforts in fight the vice of the extremist across Africa, warning that its continued growth on the continent will reverse the development gains.
According to Malango, if the extremism is not addressed, it threatens to curtail Africa’s development prospects for decades to come.
The UN official was speaking to a meeting of Muslim leaders and scholars from eastern and southern Africa who had convened in Uganda to discuss countering, responding and preventing violent extremism.
Malango said Muslim religious leaders must get involved noting that fighting against violent extremism was a collective responsibility.
She said communities need to be empowered to be a vital part of the solution to the growth of violent extremism.
Sheikh Shaban Mubajje, the head of Muslims in Uganda said it is the responsibility of Muslims to stand up and educate the people about Islam and the fact that it does not promote violent extremism.
At the end of the two day meeting, the Muslim leaders and scholars agreed on a framework to enable them to work together to fight against all forms of extremist activities in the name of Islam.
They also reaffirmed a declaration made by Muslim leaders in West Africa against all forms of extremism in the name of Islam.
