By Ayesha K Mustafaa
Muslim Journal
The International President of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) and Nigeria’ President Boodluck Ebele Jonathan invited Imam Talib Sha reef, Resident Imam of Masjid Muhammad, in Washington, D.C., to attend as a guest at the conference and country. The GPF Leadership Conference was held Nov. 7- 9, 2013.
Imam Shareef, the Imam from the United States of America to receive an invi tation in association with the leadership of Imam W. Deen Mohammed, was welcomed among current and former African Heads of State, UN officials and leading Christian and Mus lim religious leaders, who all addressed critical secu rity issues and development proposals for Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa in a landmark peace conference in Ahuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Global Peace Leadership Conference, theme “Moral and Innovative Leadership: Building Sus tainable Peace for a Pros perous Future,” convened in a climate of conflict in Nigeria and neighboring states. From the Niger Delta to the Horn of Africa, much of Central Africa has been inflamed by insurgency, ethnic conflict and lawless ness. In Northern Nigeria, the extremist group Boko Haram has killed thousands of civilians, both Christian and Muslim, since launching an uprising in 2009.
Nigerian President Jonathan declared a state of emergency in tluee north eastern states in May 2013, while human rights organi zations have sharply criti cized the military crack down. With a population of 170 million, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and is almost equally split between Christian and Muslim. Imam Shareef will continue following developments in Nigeria.
The President of Nigeria issued the following statement: “Nigeria shares your vision of engaging major national, regional, and global interfaith partners with a common commitment to cherished universal principles and values. I enjoin all men and women of good will to join hands in the global effort toward achieving a world where we are all one family under God.” – Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan