INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE IN COUNTERACTING VIOLENT EXTREMISM IN AFRICA
This initiative, implemented by the Club of Lisbon with the collaboration and support of the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) and in partnership with academic institutions from four Universities – Coimbra, Évora, Minho and Autonomous of Lisbon – included a seminar series for reflection and dialogue on the instrumentalisation of religion to justify violence on the African continent.
The seminars took place between November 2024 and April 2025 and focused on four case-studies: Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya and the Central African Republic. Key international and national stakeholders shared their views on the role of interreligious dialogue in conflict resolution and preventing violent extremism.
The seminars contributed to reinforce awareness, reflection and sharing on peacebuilding on the African continent and on ways to effectively counter extremist narratives that incite to violence.
Nigeria
November 22, 2024 | University of Coimbra
Mozambique
December 03, 2024 | University of Évora
Kenya
March 13, 2025 | University of Minho
Central African Republic
30.04.2025 | Autonomous University of Lisbon
In addition to analysing the specificities of each country regarding its conflict dynamics and peacebuilding, the seminars enabled the identification of some common key messages regarding interfaith collaboration in combating violent extremism in Africa:
- The root causes of violent extremism are rarely linked to religion, which has been instrumentalised to generate divisions and conflicts.
- External actors and regional linkages are important elements in both countering and fuelling conflicts and extremism.
- Inclusive governance, effective community engagement, education and in-depth work with young people are crucial to prevent and combat violent extremism.
- Strengthening religious literacy and intra- and interfaith dialogues is paramount for preventing extremism and building peace.