BENIN: CONFERENCE ON RELIGION AND DEVELOPMENT: INTERFAITH

UNCLAS COTONOU 000455

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/PD (ANYASO, TITUS, LISENBY),PD/IIP McMICHAEL),AF/W
(ACOOK)
PARIS FOR ARS (DWINTON)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KIRC SCUL KPAO BN
SUBJECT: BENIN: CONFERENCE ON RELIGION AND DEVELOPMENT: INTERFAITH
DIALOGUE


1. SUMMARY: On September 10, 2009, the US Embassy in Cotonou hosted
a conference on the theme: Religion and Development: Interfaith
Dialogue at the American Cultural Center. The American Embassy
seized the opportunity of Ramadan to express solidarity and share
President Barack Obama's message with Muslims in Benin who
constitute about 20% of the population. This gathering also served
as an opportunity to get local stakeholders' feedback on what
approaches would be of greatest interest to them to pursue in
partnership with the United States of America. END SUMMARY.


2. Program description: The conference program consisted of 2
panels: the first one was made up of the Political / Economic
Officer and the Director of the Beninese Center for Studies and
Research on Islam, El Hadj Bachir Soumanou. Both speakers gave a
presentation, highlighting the key political priorities of President
Obama.
The second panel included the leaders of 3 different religions in
Benin: Islam, Christianity and Voodoo. In their presentations, the
speakers put an emphasis on the importance of communication to
foster interfaith dialogue.
Prior to the conference, a letter with the transcript of President
Obama's Cairo speech was sent to the Muslim community's leaders,
inviting them to spread the content of the speech in their
respective communities and discuss with the members of their
communities and associations, ideas, concerns and suggestions to
support President Obama's call for a new beginning with the Muslim
world.
Post also held an Iftar dinner at the CDA's residence on September
16, 2009, to celebrate Ramadan with Muslim contacts. This Iftar was
designed for religious leaders, the preachers, High Muslim
officials, and gathered Imams from all leading Cotonou-based
mosques. Also in attendance were the leaders of Muslim and Youth
Association, as well as Muslim women's associations. This dinner
served as an opportunity for the Charg to relay President's Barack
Obama's Ramadan message, and pinpoint his vision about interfaith
dialogue. Post distributed calendars on the Diversity and the
richness of Islam in America as gratuities to the guests.


3. MPP UMBRELLA THEMES AND AUDIENCE REACHED: Promoting Human Rights
and Mutual Understanding. 50 participants including religious
leaders, Islamists, Women and Youth associations, journalists, NGO
members, students, alumni and other interested guests attended the
conference that was covered by all major media outlets including TV,
radio and print media. Estimated audience reached: 3.5 million. 25
guests attended the Iftar.


4. IMMEDIATE RESULTS /IMPACT: This program was designed to bring
together the leaders of the local religious communities,
representatives of the civil society and members of the government
of Benin, in order to listen to them and make an assessment of their
concerns, with regard to what they think can be done by the
Government of the United States to improve their relations with the
rest of the world. Our guests participated actively in this program.
The conference gave the local stakeholders a unique opportunity to
voice their opinion on how to advance President Barack Obama's
policy priorities, as outlined in his Cairo speech. All were
unanimous on fostering the dialogue between the U.S.A and the world
for a better understanding, through exchange programs. They stressed
the role the U.S. should play as leader, to help developing
countries fight poverty and corruption, and promote peace keeping,
good governance, justice, democracy, education, and most especially
girls' education and women's empowerment.
Participants also brainstormed and identified a blood drive
community project in response to President Obama's call for an
Interfaith Day of Service. A follow-up committee of 10 members will
be responsible for having this project implemented.


5. NON-USG SOURCES OF IN-COUNTRY FUNDING/IN KIND SUPPORT: Post
appreciated the participation of the local speakers, including the
Muslim IV alumnus Abdoul Jalili Yessoufou, Imam of Aidjedo Mosque.


6. QUALITY OF USG SUPPORT: Excellent. The Bureau of Information of
the State Department made available the transcripts of President
Obama's Speech and other informative materials that were distributed
to the participants.

BOUSTANI