NRTP Hosts Regional Training in Nairobi to Promote Religious Freedom Through Islamic Principles

A group photo of JISRA participants, training facilitators, FCA, and NRTP staff after a successful capacity-building session on promoting interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding. — ***A group photo of JISRA participants, training facilitators, FCA, and NRTP staff after a successful capacity-building session on promoting interfaith dialogue and peace-building.*** Photo/Daisy Obare/FCA

Eighteen religious actors and peace builders from Kenya, Nigeria, and Mali gathered in Nairobi from May 26 to 29, 2025, for a regional training on Islam and Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB), organised by the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers (NRTP). The week-long workshop deepened participants’ understanding of Islamic theology and its role in advancing religious freedom and peaceful coexistence across Africa and globally.

The training was organised as part of the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) project, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and coordinated by Mensen met een Missie. It forms part of a five-year effort to strengthen faith literacy and foster interfaith harmony in communities affected by religious tensions.

“This training is part of a broader programme and efforts to increase understanding and promote peaceful dialogue rooted in Islamic theology,” said Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi, Executive Director of NRTP. “We are deeply grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and the Dutch people for their continued support.”

The training addressed critical gaps in religious literacy, particularly in regions where religion has been manipulated to justify conflict or discrimination.

“In areas where religion has been misused for harmful practices and xenophobia, this FoRB training is vital,” said Dr. Mustafa Yusuf Ali, FCA Kenya Board Member, adding, “Understanding other faiths fosters respect and helps prevent conflict.”

Participants explored how Islamic teachings align with international frameworks like the Marrakesh Declaration, which upholds the rights of religious minorities. “People often assume that Islam and religious freedom are incompatible. This training dismantles that myth by highlighting Islamic principles that promote respect and coexistence,” added Afeefa Syeed, Director of the Center for Innovative Religious Education (USA).

For grassroots practitioners, the learning was both personal and practical. “We don’t all belong to the same faith, but we share the same space,” said Sheikh Ibrahim, a Muslim scholar and interfaith practitioner in Kenya. “Before we can talk or work together, we must understand one another—and that starts with knowing what Islam says about dealing with those of other faiths.”

The training also incorporated a session on spiritual reflections to support the emotional demands of peacebuilding. For participants like Dr. Sumaye Hamza, Deputy National President of the Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria, it offered fresh insights. “This training allowed me to see the relevance of the Prophet’s last sermon today and how the Marrakesh Declaration can guide us. These resources exist—we just need to apply them for the common good of humanity.”

Ahmed Zangana, Project Coordinator for Mensen met een Missie, emphasized that such efforts are only the beginning. “Having NRTP as part of this consortium adds immense value. This initiative is already showing outstanding results, but we need to engage more stakeholders to expand its reach and impact.”

Text: Daisy Obare