Migration, corruption and relations between Christians and Muslims were top of the agenda in the closing ceremony of the fifth ABLI conference in Malawi today.
The event’s moderator, Lord Paul Boateng, read from the declaration that the 150-strong gathering had backed.
‘We appeal to all African societies to welcome the strangers in their midst,’ he said, ‘particularly migrants and refugees fleeing persecution. Equally, we challenge the oppressive regimes of this continent to respect the right to life, the rule of law, freedom of belief and freedom of speech.’
Christians ‘offered their hands’ to Muslim communities, he said, but called on Islamic groups and governments to allow freedom of religion. ‘Let there be no compulsion in religion, let each person follow their conviction and let us live in peace,’ he said.
His words came against the backdrop of continued violence in Nigeria, where Boko Haram abducted 209 girls from their school in 2014.
Following the scathing attack on ‘corruption as a way of life’ in African society earlier in the week by anti-corruption campaigner, Patrick Lumumba, the forum declared that members would ‘commit ourselves to the highest standards of biblical integrity.
‘We refuse to be complicit in corruption in either personal or professional lives,’ it said.
After the reading of the declaration, Hazel Southam spoke to the moderator about how ABLI has a key role in Africa's future.
Lord Paul Boateng speaking at the ABLI event
Hazel Southam also interviewed former Government minister of Benin, Raphael Edou about how tackling climate change is key to stopping migration.
Some 150 people from 20 African nations attended the event in Lilongwe this week. The sixth ABLI conference will be held next year. Plans are underway to choose the host country.
ABLI
