DATE: 23/08/1440 H Equivalent to 29/04/2019
PEACE: THE MESSAGE OF RAMADAN
AN APPEAL FOR CEASEFIRE AND HALT TO ALL MILITARY OPERATIONS AND HOSTILITIES DURING THE MONTH OF RAMADAN, 1440/2019
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent and Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, and may His Blessing and Mercy be with our Prophet Muhammad – son of Abdullah, his Household, and entire companions. To begin:
It is no news that people of the Sahel countries and the Horn of Africa in sub-Saharan Africa have been suffering the agony of armed conflicts, which have resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, destruction of valuable property, displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, and have put an end to peace and stability in the region. Considering the fact that the overwhelming majority of those who reside in this region are practicing Muslims, who are expecting the month of Ramadan – hallowed by them and revered by others, and in a bid to minimize their suffering and open up new horizons for the actualization of peace, the Union of African Muslim Scholars, with its members spread across 46 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, hereby tenders an appeal for a comprehensive ceasefire and halt to all military operations and hostilities during this precious month, via the following points:
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This appeal is directed to all sections in the Sahel countries and the Horn of Africa, including state armies, peacekeeping forces and the various armed militias without exception.
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Compliance with the ceasefire by all concerned parties in the Sahel countries and the Horn of Africa, and halting of all military operations and hostilities on all fronts for the whole month of Ramadan (5 May – 4 June, 2019).
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Participation by all strata of the society, especially religious and traditional leaders, in circulating the ceasefire in order to ensure widespread implementation and full compliance.
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Taking advantage of the ceasefire in this noble month in organizing all-inclusive dialogues at all levels, and deliberating over possible means of resolving various conflicts and restoring peace and security.
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Establishment of high commissions comprising religious and community leaders through whose good offices and mediation, enduring reconciliation can be attained.
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Creating opportunities during the ceasefire for thorough negotiations between governments and all armed groups, irrespective of orientation, in order to reach a common ground whereby lives are protected, and security, peace and development are restored.
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Finally, calls for the success of the ceasefire should be intensified in order to achieve lasting security, so that people can live in peace and prosperity.
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