H.E. Sheikh Dr Al-Issa oversees the signing of the Abuja Declaration: a Muslim World League Initiative to Promote Peace between Muslims and Christians in West Africa

This evening, under the patronage of H.E. the President of Nigeria, and with the participation of Muslim and Christian religious leaders, ministers, parliamentarians, and civil society leaders, H.E. Sheikh Dr Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, launched the Muslim World League's initiative to promote social peace in West Africa in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, through its international conference, "Diversity and Social Peace: A Partnership for a Promising Future."

Religious leaders representing all faiths and sects across the region reached unanimous agreement on the "Abuja Declaration," adopting a joint action plan among government institutions and securing the solidarity of Muslim and Christian religious leaders and civil society organizations.

The Declaration also provides for expanded academic, training, and media programs linked to the Charter of Makkah, aimed at addressing challenges to peace, coexistence, and social stability, particularly by strengthening partnerships on conflict prevention and protecting the social fabric in all its religious and ethnic diversity.

It further establishes a coordinating body of religious and civic leaders and institutions in West Africa to oversee implementation of the action plan's commitments, coordinate the resulting programs and initiatives, and ensure their effective delivery, the achievement of their objectives, and accurate periodic evaluation.

The initiative is built on pillars addressing the root causes of the intellectual and social problems that give rise to extremist ideologies, with binding agreements among all relevant parties ensuring commitment, partnership, and sustainability.