In the heart of Cabo Delgado, Mozambique where communities continue to grapple with socio-political tensions and the persistent threat of radicalization posed by the Al-Shabab insurgency, KAICIID is advancing its commitment to peacebuilding through dialogue. As part of its broader efforts to strengthen interreligious and intra-religious dialogue in Africa, and building on the momentum of its 2023 interreligious dialogue (IRD) awareness-raising workshop, KAICIID convened a two-day Intra-Muslim Dialogue Workshop in Pemba from 25 to 26 February 2025.

The objective: to leverage dialogue as a transformative tool, equipping Muslim religious leaders and community representatives with skills to promote peace, social cohesion, and long-term regional stability. The workshop brought together 24 Muslim religious leaders including eight women and nine representatives from partner institutions; including the African Union Interfaith Dialogue Forum, the Islamic Council of Mozambique, the Christian Council of Mozambique, the Interreligious Council of Mozambique, the National Group of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union Directorate of Civil Society and Diaspora.

Why Intra-Muslim Dialogue Matters

Since 2017, Cabo Delgado has faced an escalating crisis due to terrorist attacks led by a group locally known as Al-Shabab. These attacks have claimed approximately 5,000 lives and displaced over one million people, leaving many communities in states of extreme vulnerability. The socio-economic fabric of the region has been severely impacted.

Extremist groups have distorted Islamic teachings to justify their actions, particularly targeting and radicalizing young people. In response, KAICIID has prioritized intra-Muslim dialogue as a foundational pillar for peacebuilding in the region. By equipping Muslim religious leaders with the tools and knowledge to counter radical ideologies and foster unity, KAICIID is helping communities build resilience against extremism.

Objectives of the Workshop

• Preventing Radicalization through Dialogue: Enhance the capacity of Muslim religious leaders to counter extremist narratives and foster unity.
• Capacity-Building for Peace Leadership: Equip participants with skills in conflict resolution and narrative framing through scriptural readings and community-based dialogue.
• Community Engagement and Awareness: Promote the role of dialogue in resolving tensions and advancing peaceful coexistence.
• Sustainability and Partnership: Strengthen collaboration with local religious councils and organizations to ensure the continuity and impact of peacebuilding efforts.

Aligning with KAICIID’s Work in Africa

KAICIID has long worked to promote interreligious dialogue as a means of addressing conflict and promoting social harmony across Africa. From Nigeria to the Central African Republic, the Centre has launched numerous initiatives that position religious leaders as agents of peace.

In Cabo Delgado, KAICIID’s approach integrates peacebuilding with economic empowerment by addressing structural drivers of extremism—such as poverty, exclusion, and misinformation. The workshop aligns with this strategy, placing local ownership and community resilience at its core.

Workshop Highlights

The dialogue platform enabled Muslim leaders to reflect on the impact of violent extremism on their faith and communities. Participants discussed how extremist ideologies fundamentally misaligned with Islamic principles of peace and compassion, are weaponized to recruit vulnerable populations. Emphasis was placed on promoting accurate Quranic interpretation to safeguard youth and counter harmful narratives.

Key local terms for peace—amani, kwikalashana, uhuru, mnema, and mpuho—were explored to ground the discussions in local culture and language. These expressions underscored the unifying role of Islam in Mozambican society.

Interactive sessions addressed core drivers of radicalization, including:

• Fragmented communication among sheikhs, limiting cohesive responses to extremism.
• Inconsistent religious teachings in mosques, exploited by extremist factions.
• Manipulation or coercion of religious leaders by radical groups.
• Absence of internal mechanisms for conflict resolution within the Muslim community.
• Proliferation of narratives linking Islam to terrorism.
• Political interference that undermines the credibility of faith leaders.

Through open dialogue, participants underscored the urgency of a unified, faith-rooted response to extremism. They pledged to reinforce peaceful Quranic teachings, collaborate across divides, and champion the true essence of Islam as a religion of peace.

The Road Ahead: Interreligious Engagement and Institutional Strengthening

While the workshop focused on intra-Muslim engagement, it also lays the groundwork for broader interreligious collaboration. The next phase of this initiative will bring together Christian and traditional religious leaders to foster inclusive interfaith platforms.

KAICIID envisions the establishment of Interreligious Peace Committees in Cabo Delgado. These committees will provide structured platforms for conflict prevention, mediation, and community cohesion—ensuring that religious leaders are central to advancing sustainable peace.

A Step Toward Sustainable Peace

The complexities in Cabo Delgado demand an integrated approach that addresses religious, socio-economic, and political dynamics. KAICIID’s Intra-Muslim Dialogue Workshop is a critical step in this journey—empowering leaders to serve as champions of peace and resilience.

With the continued support of its partners, KAICIID remains committed to building environments where dialogue prevails over division and communities are empowered to shape a future of peace, dignity, and coexistence.