..urged Islamic scholars to prevent extremism and tackle terrorism
President of the Economic Community of West African States, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray has urged Islamic scholars to work to prevent extremism and tackle terrorism in the subregion.
Touray said terrorism and violent extremism are threats to the sub-region’s peace and development.
He therefore promised to support the modernisation of the Quranic educational system.
ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray who disclosed this in Abuja at the West African Islamic Conference on Security & Governance, on Thursday also praised President Bola Tinubu for his plan to return out of school children back to school..
He stressed the need to protect the schools, students and teachers, with the ultimate aim of ending the phenomena of street-begging, child abuse, and the vulnerability of the Quranic schools’ goers to radicalization and recruitment by extremism and terrorist groups.
Touray said: “This gathering is a demonstration of our continued commitment to the pursuit of peace and security in the West African continent. In the last decade, terrorism and violent extremism have exerted a huge toll on the socio-economic well-being of our people. West Africa and Israel have become the front lines of the global fight against terrorism.The 2025 Global Terrorism Index report reveals a significant shift in global terrorism patterns, with Africa emerging as the new hub of terrorism. The Sahel region, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase in terrorism. For us now, we have emphasized the application of non-kinetic and kinetic strategies in tackling the menace.Our Regional Action Plan Against Terrorism outlines a series of initiatives in this regard. This plan provides roles for multiple actors from both state and non-state institutions. “Therefore, this conference, which examines the role of Islamic organizations in countering terrorism and violent extremism, fits squarely with the regional non-kinetic initiatives.
“Terrorism and violent extremism are a threat to our communities. We must therefore work both to prevent extremism and tackle terrorism, wherever it occurs. In a region with a youthful population, it is important to pay attention to the situation of these youths and support them to channel their energies to positive activities.
“The situation of the traditional Quranic schools, known as the Sangaiya in Nigeria, Makaranta in Ghana, the Daraa in the Semigandian area, is the focus of our Preventive Action Against Radicalization and Violent Extremism in this country.
“The condition of these youths in our region is one that demands our urgent attention.
“We need to improve and modernize the school system and convert them into conducive and formalized centers of learning and economic empowerment.
“These schools accommodate millions of young people in the region, but they are not given the attention they require. The situation makes both the teachers and their students vulnerable to recruitment by criminal organizations, including terrorist groups.We cannot therefore ignore these important institutions and democracies.
“We are therefore pleased to see that the custodians of these traditional Quranic schools have come forward to take the lead in their modernization across West Africa and the Sahara. ECOWAS invites all stakeholders here and elsewhere to support this initiative led by the Jamiat Ansari Fideli at Tijaniyya.In supporting the initiatives of our religious organizations, we are also complementing the efforts of our national government and regional organizations.”
He commended President Bola Tinubu who has established the National Commission for Alimajiri and Arab School Children Education to support the provision of quality religious and non-religious education. He also commended Ghana and Senegal for their various policies to address situations.
“The goal is to better supervise and calibrate children, eradicate forced begging, and support educational structures that need to be established,” he added.
Besides the government initiatives, there are others led by foundations and non-governmental organizations.
He also assured that “Together with the UN and other stakeholders, we will, inshallah, work with governments and other stakeholders to build on the outcome of this conference by implementing joint projects for the modernization of the traditional Quranic schools.Protecting these schools, their students and teachers, will end the phenomena of street begging, child abuse, and the vulnerability of the Quranic school goers to radicalization and recruitment by extremism and terrorist groups. Excellencies, let us spare no effort to secure West Africa and the Sahel from insecurity and reverse the negative indices for a stable, peaceful, united, and prosperous Africa. Barakallahu feekum, salam aleikum wa rahmatullah.”
The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Mohammed charged scholars to help create peace and harmoney withing the sub-region.
“Let us strive to create a region where every individual can live in peace, security, and dignity. Let us work together to build a brighter future for our children and our community.
“In closing, I would like to say that this conference is not the end, but the beginning. It is a step towards a new era of cooperation and collaboration in West Africa and the South. Let us remain committed to our shared goals, and work together to create a region of peace, stability, and prosperity for all.Let us enjoy and hold firmly to the ru’f of Allah altogether, and do not become divided.”
