By Isah Aliyu Chiroma
“We deserve no less for peace, stability and progress, so that we can take rightful place in the comity of nations”.
Abubalar Gimba
The news that the president had agreed to the Ulama delegation’s request to travel to Niger for peace talks caught everyone off guard. This has demonstrated their significance and the part they can play in society. The goal here is to find a long-term solution. They desire a world of peace and tranquility, not just in Nigeria but also throughout the sub-Saharan African. They therefore asked for harmony and peace.
You probably could have imagined what I thought about this request and, more importantly, about their consent. We still clearly recall the initial delegation sent, which was led by former head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar, but which initially failed to produce fruitful results. Then comes the most stunning part: a democratic government’s president keeping aside his diplomats and the foreign minister and went ahead approving the Islamic clerics’ request.
As each person has something to contribute to his society, this has further demonstrated the potential roles that Islamic clerics may play in this critical situation in the African region. This has at least demonstrated that everyone is given the same chance to explore all of his or her options in order to encourage an enduring solution to societal challenges.
Religious groups have increased their involvement in peacebuilding due to their national and international organization, ethical visions, credibility, trust, and moral authority. Indigenous religious groups are long-term players in conflicts, and issues traditionally within religion are central to modern conflicts. Sampson classes religious intervention under four roles: advocates, intermediaries, observers, and educators.
Going through the history lane, as we have seen in most African countries, how Islamic clerics have played a pivotal role in peace building and conflict resolution. Religious advocacy in peacebuilding is always nonviolent, and generally focused on promoting empowerment and human rights. Religious peacemakers tend to focus on building relationships and community.
Timbuktu, recognized as a hub of Islamic scholarship, was home to many Islamic scholars, as we have witnessed throughout African history. These academics were instrumental in promoting a culture of peace and academic exchange while mediating conflicts between various ethnic groups.
Islamic clerics in the Sokoto Caliphate worked to create a fair and peaceful society based on Islamic values under the direction of Usman DanFodiyo. They significantly contributed to the reduction of internal problems by uniting various regions under a single Islamic authority.
Some Muslim clerics bravely condemned the bloodshed and crimes done during the Darfur conflict. They demanded an end to the fighting while emphasizing how crucial justice and compassion are in Islam.
Islamic clerics continue to play important roles in African nations today, supporting attempts to bring about peace and resolve conflicts. They have support the protection of civilians and offer relief to displaced communities during times of hostilities
Islamic clerics have a long history of being crucial players in maintaining peace and resolving disputes in African nations. They have consistently strived to create peaceful and harmonious cultures, from their early contributions as educators and mediators to their current work fighting extremism and advancing social justice. Islamic clerics continue to be a powerful force for good development and conflict settlement on the continent even as it faces complicated problems.
They have historically had a considerable impact in maintaining peace and resolving disputes in African nations. It is crucial to recognize the long-standing historical relationship in maintaining peace and resolving conflicts in African nations. In the seventh century, commercial networks and conquests brought the first Muslims to Africa. It spread over the course of time, influencing numerous cultures and societies.
There were both religious conversions and cultural exchanges involved in the expansion of Islam throughout Africa. Along with the Quran, Islamic academics, traders, and travelers contributed knowledge of governance, philosophy, and other academic disciplines. The growth of Islamic educational institutions, which served as foci for intellectual and spiritual advancement, was made possible by this interchange. Imams and Ulama, two terms used to refer to Islamic clerics, were influential characters in African communities. They contributed significantly to the peaceful settlement of disputes in a number of ways:
They served as arbitrators and mediators in resolving conflicts at both the personal and social levels. They were able to resolve disputes fairly and justly through their in-depth understanding of Islamic law and morality. They were instrumental in giving their communities moral and ethical direction. They highlighted the fundamental Islamic precepts of justice, compassion, and forgiveness. This advice frequently prevented violence and hostilities.
Many Islamic clerics are proponents of gender equality, questioning long-standing beliefs and customs that encourage discrimination and violence against women. Their work makes society more tolerant and tranquil. They frequently participate in political discourse and talks in nations where there are ongoing political crises, utilizing their influence to promote amicable resolutions and compromise.
The military has long been recognized for its primary duty of defending nations. However, it is obvious in the present that this institution’s main concern is to usurp and take over governmental authority. Unfortunately, especially in democratic states, this should never have existed in the first place.
It is saddening that terrible and autocratic leadership is both advancing and impeding the undemocratic change in government that is being fueled by a difficult economic climate. This is a sign that democracy is losing ground as it descends from its apex. Then, we need to lookout for those unique opportunities to put the nations back once again on track to greatness and at the same time, restore the glory of the military.
As Abubakar Gimba said, “our military should be humble enough to step back and rejuvenate itself into an effective fighting machine befitting our country for the 21st century. They should be ready to step in to save us from ourselves when we go for each other’s throat (as we sure would) as we go back into politics”.
We African nations owe ourselves an agenda, which is peace, stability and democratic rule in our regions. There are no actions without consequences, just as there are no problems without their causes. To restore peace in African nation, we need to avoid what might bring about military intervention in our nations.
