Conference of the Supreme Council for Imams, Mosques, and Islamic Affairs in Côte d'Ivoire Witnesses Participation of Members of the International Union of Muslim Scholars
The Fifth Ordinary Conference of the Supreme Council for Imams, Mosques, and Islamic Affairs in Côte d'Ivoire was held in the capital city, Abidjan, from Thursday, December 26, to Sunday, December 29, 2024, in accordance with Articles 12 and 13 of the Council’s charter.
The conference saw a wide turnout led by Sheikh Ousmane Diakité, President of the Supreme Council for Imams, and attended by Council members and crowds of Ivorian Muslims, including men, women, and youth.
Several ministers, including the Minister of Youth and Sports, participated, alongside a distinguished group of academics and journalists.
Prominent Participation of Members of the International Union of Muslim Scholars
One of the key highlights of the conference was the participation of members of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS). Attendees included Dr. Konaté Arna and Dr. Koné Bamanan from Côte d'Ivoire, alongside Sheikh Mokhtar Kébé and Sheikh Abdullah Lam from Senegal.
Sheikh Abdullah Lam, a member of the IUMS Board of Trustees, presented an outstanding paper titled:
"The Role of Religious Institutions in Promoting Peaceful Coexistence – The Senegalese Model."
In his presentation, Sheikh Lam emphasized that:
"Religious institutions bear the responsibility of fostering a culture of coexistence and enhancing social security, particularly in regions facing security challenges."
Discussions on Family and Social Issues
The conference hosted delegations from both official and unofficial religious institutions from various countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon, Guinea-Conakry, Togo, Ghana, Chad, Nigeria, the UAE, Belgium, Turkey, France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, the USA, and others.
Saturday, December 28, was dedicated to a symposium titled:
"The Family Amid Societal Changes,"
which addressed four key themes:
- The Muslim Family in the Age of Media and Communication Technologies.
- Education as a Shared Responsibility and Collective Duty.
- The Role of Religious Leaders in Addressing Security Challenges in West Africa.
- The Role of Religious Institutions in Promoting Peaceful Coexistence.
The Voice of Muslims in Côte d'Ivoire
The Supreme Council for Imams, Mosques, and Islamic Affairs is the foremost Islamic institution in Côte d'Ivoire, serving as the official representative of Muslims across all communities.
Prominent scholars have led the Council, including the late Sheikh Aboubakar Fofana, the late Sheikh Mamadou Traoré, and the current president, Sheikh Ousmane Diakité.
Islam was introduced to Côte d'Ivoire in the 11th century CE by Muslim traders, and today, Muslims constitute over 42% of the population. This makes the conference a crucial platform for strengthening unity and harmony among Muslims in Côte d'Ivoire and beyond.
Source: International Union of Muslim Scholars