AFRICA/KENYA - "The real aim of Al Shabaab is to spark religious conflict, let us not fall into that trap", say the Islamic leaders

Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - "The real aim of Al Shabaab is to spark religious conflict in Kenya between Christians and Muslims. Kenyans of different faiths should not fall into that trap. We have lived together in harmony for many years", said Sheikh Mohammed Shakuul, a member of the Islamic community of Eastleigh, the neighborhood of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, nicknamed "Little Mogadishu", because of the strong presence of people of Somali origin.
Sheikh Shakuul attended a meeting between religious leaders and government representatives to seek solutions to religious radicalism and extremist propaganda of the Somali Shabaab, responsible for the massacre at the University of Garissa where 148 people were killed on the basis of their religion (see Fides 08/04/2015).
"Minimising radicalization and violent extremism requires all stakeholders to play their role effectively including government, political and religious leaders. We want to do our part to ensure the success of this endeavour", remarked Sheikh Shakuul.
The meeting, which was held yesterday, Sunday, April 19, was attended by several religious leaders from different parts of Kenya, and in particular from the areas most affected by the violence such as Wajir, Mombasa, Isiolo, Garissa and Mandera . (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 20/04/2015)