BURKINA FASO: INTERFAITH IFTAAR PROMOTES RELIGIOUS

UNCLAS OUAGADOUGOU 000833

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SCUL KIRF KISL UV
SUBJECT: BURKINA FASO: INTERFAITH IFTAAR PROMOTES RELIGIOUS
TOLERANCE


1. Summary: On September 18, the Ambassador hosted an inter-faith
Iftaar dinner for 24 Muslim and Christian leaders in Ouagadougou.
Guests were pleased that inter-faith dialogue was being promoted,
commented on the usefulness of the event, and encouraged similar
activities in the future. Guests stressed that there is a high
degree of religious tolerance in Burkina Faso. End Summary.


2. The Ambassador's September 18 interfaith Iftaar was one of
several outreach events that Embassy Ouagadougou has completed for
the Ramadan season. Iftaar participants included local Imams,
leaders of Muslim associations, and priests and pastors from local
churches. Following remarks from the Ambassador, several leaders
thanked the Ambassador for her initiative to host the event and
asked that she host similar activities in the future. Muslim
leaders commented on their own continuing efforts to foster dialogue
among religious groups to maintain social unity in Burkina Faso, and
on how well this kind of interfaith outreach works for a religiously
integrated nation like Burkina Faso.


3. Overall, the Iftaar was a success and advanced the Embassy's
goals of promoting mutual understanding and religious freedom.
Participants were both surprised and pleased that different
religious groups were brought together for a meal honoring the end
of a day of fasting by Muslims. Following lively discussions around
the dinner table, Embassy staff distributed informational materials
about Muslims and religious life in America.


4. Guests agreed that religion in Burkina Faso is not defined by
class, region, or ethnic group and that devout Muslims, Catholics,
and Protestants co-exist in the same family, causing few disputes,
and each group, more or less, respects the others' beliefs.
Furthermore, the guests stressed that religion does not interfere
with business or government affairs and is not used as a tool for
discrimination.


5. COMMENT: Religious tolerance is strong in Burkina Faso, due to
the country's history and social structure. Nonetheless, it remains
important to strengthen this culture of tolerance, so that
extremists will not be able to gain a foothold. Events such as this
interfaith Iftaar are a good way of bringing together key religious
leaders who play an important role in forming public opinion in this
country.

JACKSON