The League of Scholars, Preachers, and Imams of the Sahel countries warmly commended Algeria President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s efforts on Wednesday in Algiers. They highlighted his commitment to maintaining peace and fostering development across Africa, particularly within the Sahel region, and urged a focus on Algeria’s approach to conflict prevention and the fight against violent extremism.
“President Tebboune has emerged as a vital supporter for Africa as a whole, especially for Sahel countries, in their pursuit of development and peace, as well as in countering destabilization efforts targeting the region,” stated Abu Bakr Waler Mado, president of the League, during the opening of the League’s 18th conference themed “Challenges of Development and Peace in the Sahel.”
Expressing satisfaction with Algeria’s prosperity and advancement under the current presidency, he called on African leaders to adopt Algeria’s inclusive strategy for preventing conflicts and addressing violent extremism.
“The Algerian model, which prioritizes comprehensive development and solutions to social issues, stands as the best example to emulate in conflict prevention and countering violent extremism,” he asserted, emphasizing that the absence of attention to social issues and overall development renders conflict prevention and the fight against extremism unfeasible.
Mado pointed out that Sahel countries continue to contend with underdevelopment, unemployment, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure—factors that contribute significantly to conflicts and violent extremism.
Meanwhile, Lakhmissi Bezzaz, secretary-general of the League, stressed the importance of revisiting the region’s glorious past, marked by achievements and challenges, to effectively combat the threats posed by violent extremism that jeopardize stability and development.
Bezzaz observed that Sahel nations are currently confronted not only with social afflictions and underdevelopment but also with campaigns of despair and destabilization from foreign entities.
Advocating for collaborative efforts and exchanges of expertise, he underscored that regional countries possess the necessary capabilities and resources to confront all emerging challenges and dangers.
Mohamed Hassouni, advisor to the President on Religious Affairs, Sufi Orders, and Qur’anic Schools, emphasized the need to strengthen the roles of Sufi orders and Qur’anic institutions in preventing violent extremism. He specifically advocated for the adoption of the Sufi method prevalent in Algeria, centered on moderation in discourse and religious diplomacy.
“The involvement of influential imams in society must be prioritized within efforts and initiatives aimed at enhancing religious consciousness among the populations,” noted Hassouni, recalling the President’s particular emphasis on Sufi orders and Qur’anic schools.
During the conference, Mohamed Mamoune El-Kacimi El-Houceini, Rector of Djamaa El-Djazair, remarked that Sahel countries must remain vigilant against threats capable of destabilizing the region. He pointed out that the factors contributing to extremism and conflict are not solely internal; they can also stem from external sources.
“The colonizer of yesterday remains vigilant regarding the region, actively seeking all possible means to destabilize it and impede its development,” he cautioned. Additionally, advocating for the sharing of experiences among the countries in the region in their fight against extremism and social issues, the Rector of Djamaa El-Djazair expressed that his institution stands ready to contribute to these efforts, particularly by welcoming African students and organizing activities designed to strengthen ties between nations. It is important to note that the conference will run until February 28th.
