The International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) and the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers will host a group of Muslim leaders from the Central African Republic in Vienna from February 25-27, for a meeting to discuss ways to bring together Muslim communities from across the country in support of national dialogue and reconciliation.

The Secretary General of KAICIID, Faisal Bin Muaammar, stressed the importance of the event, saying, “The meeting seeks to develop cooperation, coexistence and dialogue within the religious communities in CAR, which is facing internal division and disunity, as well as provide the necessary dialogue skills to improve relations with other communities in the country.”

The SG said that during the two day meeting the participants will discuss ways to encourage peaceful coexistence between the various groups in CAR and will be asked to develop concrete mechanisms to promote enhanced cooperation and joint action.

“Although the Muslim community in CAR is divided, we believe that many of the different groups are facing the same issues, which revolve around access to education, employment opportunities, access to health services, loss of places of business, and lack of security and freedom of movement. The participants will be encouraged to discuss these challenges and search for areas of common ground,” said Bin Muaammar.

The Secretary General will give the opening remarks at the meeting, which will be followed by a lecture from Sheikh Abdullah Bin Bayyah, a prominent Mauritanian scholar and President of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, on the notion of peace and the importance unity from the Islamic perspective.

Approximately 40 participants representing different Muslim groups in the country, including some from Northern ethic groups, will gather in Vienna for two days of dialogue on the most pressing issues facing their communities, in order to reach and sign an agreement that promotes peace-making and cohesion between the various Muslim groups in the country, as well as supports the larger process of national reconciliation.

"The participants, and indeed the people of the Central African Republic, have demonstrated their commitment to search for common ground: this conference is a strong starting point.  We are also pleased at the presence of the high-level guests, which indicates their commitment to support intra-Muslim dialogue in the Central African Republic", said Antti Pentikäinen, Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers.

Amongst the CAR Muslim leadership participants will be Imam Oumar Kobine Layama, President of the Islamic Community and member of the CAR Interfaith Platform, a high-level delegation from the Central Mosque in Bangui representing Chief Imam Ahmed Tidjani, Muhammad Tahir Bala Dodo, Mayor of the Third District, Mr. Ali Abakar, President of the Central African Islamic Youth Association, and Hajah Asta Moussa, president of CAR Muslim Women Association.

The Archbishop of Bangui, Monsignor Nzapalainga, and the Minister for Reconciliation in the transitional Government, Lydie Florence N’Douba, will also join the meeting as observers.