African Peace Conference

The fifth annual African Conference for Peace occurred in Nouakchott, Mauritania, from January 21 to 23, 2025. The forum gathered leaders and scholars to discuss the theme "The Imperative for Dialogue and the Pertinence of Reconciliations."The conference addressed challenges facing Africa, including climate change, migration, armed conflict, and the role of women and youth. A group of 22 African American Muslims led by Imam Talib Shareef of Masjid Muhammad in Washington, D.C., attended the conference. They were the first-ever African-American Muslim delegation representing the International Coalition for Peace and Reconciliation (ICPR).

Sheikh Abdallah Bin Bayyah invited delegation members for their commitment to dialogue and peacebuilding through their leadership and partnership with ICPR. They include men and women of various age groups, skills, interests, and professions, and Priscilla participant noted, “with an extra bonus of personality!” Their presence highlighted the historical connection between African Americans—descendants of forcibly migrated and enslaved Africans—and their ancestral continent. The delegation's ties to the legacy of Imam Warith Deen Mohammed demonstrate how African American Muslims maintain cultural continuity while adapting to new contexts. Imam Talib Shareef noted, "Bringing people together to talk, communicate, and resolve conflicts is an important skill. These are the kinds of initiatives that can help reshape the future, fostering collaboration and understanding across nations."

The conference opened with speeches by Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El-Ghazouani, Sheikh Abdallah Bin Bayyah (President of the African Conference for Peace and the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum), Yousef Al Dubaie (Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation), Ahmad Omar (Minister of Lands Administration and Secretary of State of Chad), and Dr. Sheikh Abu Bakr Doukoury (Advisor to the President of Burkina Faso). President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast was honored during the African Peace Prize Ceremony. The first session focused on the current state of affairs in Africa.

The delegation engaged and learned from government officials, ministers, scholars, academic researchers, and civil society leaders from diverse regions across Africa and beyond. YAYI tv interviewed Imam Talib, Fitrah Muhammad, and Imam Faheem Shuaib. Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi, Executive Director of The Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, moderated the panels during the second and third days. Day two included sessions on Dialogue and a Women and Youth Summit. Imam Talib presented the legacy of Sister Clara Muhammad and the importance of honoring women's leadership in education. Reflecting on how his presentation resonated with the conference's themes, Khadijah Aleem, the youngest delegate noted that Imam Shareef’s speech “...serves as a reminder that societies and communities flourish when women are trusted and valued and when the voices of youth are heard and supported."The conference concluded with a closing ceremony and a du'a (prayer) led by Imam Mohamed Magid of the ADAMS Center.

The delegation's participation highlighted the enduring bonds between African Americans and the continent. Fleming El-Amin, who participated in the delegation, reflected, “Learning about different cultures and challenges on the African continent provided us with a unique opportunity to provide potential solutions.” Their work emphasizes the importance of collaboration amongst Africans in the Diaspora and on the African continent to uplift migrants, women, children, and the most marginalized in peacebuilding and economic development.

Imam Talib’s Interview on Yayi TV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX3cbItYFV0

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