Africa must think about regional interest - Sunni Head

By Bajin D. Pobia/Eric K. Amoh, GNA
Cairo, May 15, GNA - The Supreme Head of the Sunni Muslims in the World, Shaykh Ahmed At-Tayyib of Al-Azhar, says what Africa needs most now, is to think about regional interests before any other concerns.

He said Africa's backwardness in its development efforts stem from the lackadaisical attitude of its leaders towards regional interest.

He said the leaders have always preoccupied themselves with global issues and interests to the detriment of regional matters.

Shaykh At-Tayyib was addressing journalists attending: 'The Future of Media in Africa,' forum in Cairo during a courtesy call.

He explained that foreign relations and religions among other factors have been used to divide Africa and undermined its authority and development.

The Sunni Muslims Head said the time has now come for Africans to understand one another and speak with one voice as Africans.

Africa abounds with both natural and human resources, but because of foreign domination of its resources, the youth are causing irresponsible uprising in the continent because of unemployment, he said.

Shaykh At-Tayyib urged African countries to forget about differences in languages and religions and focus on one interest to address challenges facing the youth.

'Differences in religions and languages must be used positively to promote the Africa development agenda but not to destroy it,' he said.

He urged journalists to play an important role in that regard, helping to change the mindsets of the people.

'This is a very important role more than the role of the church or the mosque.'

On terrorism, Shaykh At-Tayyib said there is the need for the youth to be educated to understand what the concept of Jihad is all about.

He said armed groups of extremists and sectarians have perverted Jihad with the thinking that anyone they wish to kill and kill is jihad; while claiming that whoever is killed from their own ranks is in paradise.

Shaykh At-Tayyib explained that Jihad is legitimate in Islam only if it is waged in self-defence, in the defence of one's religion or in the defence of one's country.

He said the declaration of jihad and engaging in it may not be undertaken by just anyone, but only by the ruler and not by mere individuals or groups.

'Islam prohibits attack on any human soul, be it religion or belief and therefore the youth must be discouraged from supporting or joining terrorists groups to kill people, all in the name of Islam.'

GNA