Djiboutian imams urged to fight against religious extremism

Djibouti's Muslim Affairs Minister Aden Hassan Aden on Wednesday met with the country's imams to discuss about the dangers posed by religious extremism.

Aden urged the imams to play their rightful role, that of fighting against those who call for sectarianism, extremism and divisions among the faithfuls.

The minister who recalled some unfortunate incidents that occurred during night prayers when muslims were observing the Holy month of Ramadan, urged imams to strongly condemn such incidents.

"It is the multiplication of such acts that sow seeds of extremism which is currently ravaging many countries in the world, and even in some our neighbouring countries like Somalia and Yemen," he said.

He said Djibouti is a land of tolerance where everyone enjoys the freedom of worship.

With 100 percent of its population being muslims, Djibouti had not experienced religious extremism but in recent days, it has faced serious threats given its geographic position that places it in a region where religious fanaticism is affecting many nations.

Last year, Djibouti witnessed its first terrorist attack, perpetrated by the Somalia islamist group Al-Shaabab, targeting a restaurant frequented by soldiers of Western countries. Endit