Ouagadougou Witnesses Unprecedented Unity During Eid El Fitr Prayer as Burkina Faso Battles Terrorism
OUAGADOUGOU – In a significant show of unity and national solidarity, thousands of Muslim faithful, along with government officials and members of other religious denominations, gathered at Place de la Nation in Ouagadougou on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, to mark the end of Ramadan with the Eid El Fitr prayer. The congregation was presided over by Cheikh Abdallah Ouédraogo, Imam of the great mosque of Ouagadougou, who delivered a sermon on forgiveness, reconciliation, and the importance of cohesion among the citizens of Burkina Faso.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the president of the Muslim community, this event was not just a religious gathering but a potent demonstration of the Muslim community’s commitment to support the government’s efforts in the national war against terrorism. Kouanda, addressing the assembly, emphasized that the conflict engulfing the nation transcends political lines, representing a collective struggle for the soul of Burkina Faso. He criticized those who find satisfaction in the setbacks faced by the Fighting Forces, reminding that the battle belongs to every citizen, irrespective of religious or political affiliation.
The government’s presence, led by the Minister of State, Minister of Civil Service, Labor, and Social Protection, Bassolma Bazié, underscored the state’s acknowledgment of the Muslim community’s pivotal role in fostering national unity. Bazié conveyed the Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s gratitude towards the community for its prayers and efforts toward reclaiming territories once lost to insurgent forces. He highlighted the progress made since April 2023, when all communities were rallied to contribute to the reconquest initiative, noting the significant improvements in accessibility across various regions.
Furthermore, the event was marked by gestures of interfaith harmony, with representatives from the Catholic community, including Monsignor Prosper Kontiébo, extending holiday greetings and expressing a shared commitment to peace and social cohesion. This Eid El Fitr prayer in Ouagadougou stands as a poignant reminder of the resilience and unity of Burkina Faso’s people in the face of adversity, setting a precedent for collaborative efforts towards peace and national recovery.