Leaders push for religious freedom over restrictions in Africa

Former Nigerian First Lady Bola Obasanjo during the inaugural of International Religious Foundation Summit Africa in Nairobi on June 17th 2025. (Collins Oduor, Standard) Leaders from across Africa and around the world gathered in Nairobi on Tuesday for the inaugural International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit Africa. The three-day meeting sought to reframe the conversation from one of restriction to one of protection, peace and partnership. It brought together policymakers, judicial leaders, victims, faith communities and human rights defenders to affirm a simple, urgent message, that religious freedom is a foundation for development, not a threat to it. "Religious persecution is rising, and the world must pay attention," said Ambassador Sam Brownback, Co-Chair of the IRF Summit. "If a continent aspires to develop, it must guarantee religious freedom for everyone at all times." Brownback argued that freedom of belief fuels investment and economic growth. He warned that countries that suppress religion risk long-term instability. "A nation's growth hinges on its capacity to allow every citizen the freedom to practise their religion without fear of persecution," he said. Dr Katrina Lantos Swett, fellow Co-Chair, called for unity between faiths. "Societies that uphold fundamental human rights generally enjoy greater success," she said. "This is especially true for women, who tend to experience higher socio-economic status in such environments." She urged African leaders to go beyond tolerance and aim for lasting peace. "We need top leaders and religious figures to unite in signing an Abrahamic peace treaty," she added. The summit comes at a time when the African continent is both the epicentre of religiously motivated violence and home to the fastest-growing population in the world. According to experts, this mix demands urgent and inclusive policy responses. Lady Justice Philomena Mwilu, Deputy Chief Justice of Kenya, said the region is experiencing an "alarming rise of religious persecution, restrictions on religious expression and violent extremism." She warned that these trends "undermine the very fabric of our societies and jeopardise the social cohesion necessary for sustainable peace and development." She pointed to Kenya's constitutional safeguards as a model. "Our Constitution is anchored in the principles of human dignity, equality and equity," she said. "It explicitly recognises freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion under Article 32. Kenya not only provides legal protections but also fosters a cultural environment that champions religious diversity and spiritual expression." David Trimble, President of the Religious Freedom Institute, said Africa must reclaim its legacy as a land of spiritual harmony. "It is time for Africa to embark on a new chapter to address the ongoing challenges of religious persecution," he said. Danny DeWalt, Senior Vice President for Global Impact at Pepperdine University, said the summit was just the beginning. "This inaugural summit aims to foster a united community across Africa to eradicate religious persecution and establish enduring religious freedom," he said. For former first lady of Nigeria, Bola Obasanjo, Co-Chair of the summit, the work ahead requires deep and sustained commitment. "Africa requires greater investments of time and talent to advance religious freedom," she said. "It is a shared responsibility." A spotlight on self-regulation models was placed as an alternative to restrictive government policies. It is exploring the role of the African human rights system in enforcing the right to religion. With justice leaders also discussing cross-cultural dispute resolution models, organisers hope this first summit will be the start of lasting change.

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