55 African states, trapped within borders inherited from colonization, are struggling to rally around an inclusive vision of progress and well-being for the vast majority of African populations. Border conflicts, civil wars and ethnic tensions, often resulting from the control of economic, mining and land resources, are exacerbated by “invisible hands” who excel in the art of divide and rule.

What role can Sufi Islam, whose essence is tolerance and respect for the cultural and traditional specificities of populations, play in establishing a culture of peace? If we take as an example the harmonious cohabitation of different religious communities in Senegal, we have to recognize the contribution of Confraternity Islam, its organizational structure and its values.

Islam’s penetration of Africa goes back a long way. It dates back to the time of the Prophet Mouhammed Salalahou Aleyhi Wa Sallam, when his followers, persecuted in Medina, found refuge with the King of Ethiopia. Hence the centuries-old roots that explain why some African populations can’t imagine a pre-Islamic past.  The example of West Africa is particularly significant for the vitality of Sufi Islam, which produced scholars who resisted colonial penetration.

This confraternity and family model is in line with the best traditions of African hospitality and solidarity.  In this respect, Confraternity Islam, whose borders transcend administrative and political boundaries, is a powerful lever for African integration. Studying the expansion, diversity and dynamism of the Tidjaniya in West Africa may offer a new reference model for bringing populations together and calming latent conflicts through the interpersonal relationships woven at the heart of the Tariqa.

The religious luminaries of the Tijaniya (Shaykh Ahmad AT-Tijâniy RTA whose disciples are estimated at more than 400 million worldwide, Shaykh Oumar Al Foutiyyou RTA who propagated the Tijaniya from Senegal to Sudan, Baye Niass RTA with tens of millions of disciples mainly in Africa, and Shaykh Oumar Al Foutiyyou RTA who propagated the Tijaniya from Senegal to Sudan West Africa, Chaykh Adoul Qâdir Jilâniy RTA, Chaykh Ahmadou Bamba RTA) were precursors of the integration of peoples. Revisiting their works can be an immense source of inspiration in terms of political and economic integration. Religious diplomacy, so well embodied in Sufi Islam, deserves to be called to the rescue in resolving conflicts in Africa and around the world.

– Identify ways to implement religious diplomacy, so well embodied by Sufi Islam, for a dynamic and effective system of conflict resolution in Africa and the world;

– Draw lessons that will accelerate the process of integrating peoples, so much advocated by existing community institutions.