WE are living in a time of turbulence, tension and transition. Societies are more diverse, but intolerance is on the rise. We are seeing the spread of violent extremism and widening conflicts that are characterised by a fundamental disregard for international law and human life.
Conflicts based on peoples’ identity – particularly religious identity – are on the rise. We are observing how vested interests manipulating religion stand to gain from the terrible consequences of creating divisions among people of different faiths. This trend can lead to the extent of encouraging, organising and committing atrocity crimes. Intolerance that feeds on people’s’ fears and can eclipse human reasoning fuels religious strife.
I have come to appreciate the determination of the All-Africa Religious Liberty Association in promoting freedom of religion or belief for all people, no matter their faith or traditions. The idea according to which a person’s conscience, rather than the government, should dictate his/her choice of worship is anchored in the principle of religious freedom.
This principle is critically important because everyone has the right to make personal decisions about their beliefs and practices. This autonomy is a fundamental aspect of human dignity and freedom. Allowing individuals to choose their religious practices favours a diverse and pluralistic society. This diversity can lead to greater understanding and tolerance between different groups. Although religious diversity is a fundamental feature of human history, we are witnessing serious attacks on religious freedom in all regions of the world. There are draconian laws to punish those whose beliefs are different from our own or think differently from us.
When religious practices are dictated, it can lead to oppression and persecution of minority groups. Let us all ensure that individuals can follow their conscience to protect the community from abuse. I concur with the notion that worship and religious practices are deeply personal and often tied to an individual’s moral and ethical values. Allowing people to follow their conscience guarantees that their actions are consistent with their deepest convictions.
In Africa, perhaps more than anywhere else, freedom of religion plays a crucial role in development. Freedom of religion in effect reduces interfaith conflicts and promotes peaceful coexistence among different communities. This creates a stable environment conducive to economic and social development.
Moreover, by guaranteeing freedom of religion, African societies can better integrate diverse religious communities, which strengthens social cohesion and inclusion. Hence the imperative for our leaders to strive not to become the source of discord and intolerance.
In the Sahel and East Africa, Islamic extremism poses a serious threat to religious freedom
Let’s remind political, religious and faith-based leaders and actors; let’s remind all in position of power that whenever we compromise with our fundamental values, just to accommodate our immediate comfort, or our shortsighted interest, this always comes back to haunt us. Communities and nations have nothing to fear from accepting other faiths and cultures into their society. Mutual respect is a sign of strength, not weakness. Freedom of religion is indeed a pillar of human rights and democracy. It allows individuals to practice their faith without fear of persecution, which is essential for a just and equitable society.
On the economic development front, an environment where religious freedom is respected attracts investments. Local and foreign investors are more inclined to settle in communities and countries where fundamental rights are protected.
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By guaranteeing freedom of religion, communities and countries contribute positively to human development and innovation. The defence and promotion of religious freedom in Africa are therefore crucial. Freedom of religion is a fundamental right enshrined in numerous international constitutions and conventions. Protecting it is guaranteeing respect for human rights for all.
However, Africa faces many challenges in defending freedom of religion and conscience. Thus, in several regions, such as in the Sahel and East Africa, Islamic extremism poses a serious threat to religious freedom. Extremist groups commit violence against those who do not share their beliefs. Tensions between different ethnic and religious groups can lead to further violence and discrimination.
These challenges require coordinated and inclusive responses, involving both governments, religious organisations and civil society to promote tolerance and respect for everyone’s rights. In this regard, placing emphasis on conflict prevention in Africa, rather than insisting on their resolution is crucial for several reasons.
For the Africa we want, and in order to ensure the stability and prosperity of our continent, countries at peace are more likely to experience sustainable economic and social development. Conflict prevention contributes to creating a stable environment, conducive to investment and economic growth, as stated earlier. Equally, conflict prevention often involves strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law, which can help address inequalities, corruption and human rights violations.
We should support and encourage our people to see a world of fairness, justice and empowerment. Ultimately, discrimination and exclusion undermine peoples’ dignity, equality of citizenship, deprives them of their voice and ability to participate in public life. Just like holy books teach us that we should not kill, the jurisprudence of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights has recognised the right to life as a fundamental right, without which other rights cannot be implemented.
This means that persecuting or hunting down, let alone killing someone because of his or her religion or belief, is not acceptable and cannot be defended legally or morally. If we let these injustices happen, they would get worse and before we even realize it, we could be facing mass atrocities.
Education is an essential element to guarantee that communities do not fall prey to these negative trends whereas individuals or groups are wrongfully persecuted simply because they are not accepted by the majority. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular Sustainable Development Goal 4, which includes the promotion of values and skills related to education to global citizenship, will play a key role in this regard.
Today, one of the main challenges involves combating hate speech. That is why, in my past assignments at the United Nations, I strived to fight hate speech, mainly by strengthening the capacities of UN staff, promoting the use of technology and education, and by forging partnerships – including with social media companies – so that the capacity building of member states and the development of policies aimed at combating hate speech would be strengthened. Social networks should promote the values of tolerance, non-discrimination, pluralism, freedom of opinion and expression.
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A global understanding fosters tolerance and peace by recognising and respecting diverse religious beliefs, thereby reducing conflict and promoting peaceful coexistence. This understanding contributes to bridging the gaps and fosters mutual respect between different communities, as we have highlighted.
Religious freedom is a fundamental human right which defends the dignity of individuals. It allows people to explore and express their beliefs and personae without fear of persecution, which is essential to personal and societal well-being.
Enforcing respect for religious freedom requires a strong commitment and political will. It is this commitment and political will that sustain our quest for a better world marked by the respect for the cultural diversity of peoples and nations, a world where all forms of discrimination will no longer reign and respect for the right to be different will prevail.
A holistic approach to religious freedom encourages dialogue between different denominations and cultures. Indeed, in a polarised world, religious freedom can act as a calming force that contributes to reducing existential fears and angst by guaranteeing that all points of view, even the most unpopular, are protected.
Essentially, a global understanding of religious freedom consists not only of protecting individual rights, but equally of fostering a more tolerant, more peaceful and more cooperative world. It’s towards this better world that we should all move.
Adama Dieng is African Union Special Envoy for the Prevention of the Crime of Genocide and Other Mass Atrocities; Founder-President of the Pan-African Alliance for Transparency and the Rule of Law; and President of the Honorary Committee of the International Association for the Defence of Religious Liberty. The above is an abridged version of his presentation at the All-Africa Religious Liberty Congress in Arusha, Tanzania, September 17-21, 2024.
This article was originally published in the September-October 2024 edition of the Africa Briefing Magazine. Click here for more analyses and comment
