By Eddah Waithaka
The first-ever International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit Africa launched today in Nairobi, bringing together government leaders, faith representatives, and human rights advocates to champion religious liberty as a cornerstone of peace and development.
Co-chaired by former U.S. Ambassador Sam Brownback, Dr. Katrina Lantos-Swett, and H.E. Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, the summit unites voices from across Africa to address rising religious persecution and promote interfaith cooperation.
Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome hosted the opening session, declaring religious freedom essential to Kenya’s constitutional values of dignity and equality.
Why Africa? Why Now?
Ambassador Brownback emphasized Africa’s pivotal role, “If a continent wants to develop, it must guarantee religious freedom for all. Persecution drives away investment and fuels violence.”
He cited Nigeria’s crisis, where 145 Catholic priests were kidnapped in a decade, with 11 killed.
Dr. Lantos-Swett linked religious tolerance to prosperity, “Nations protecting this right see greater stability, economic growth, and women’s advancement.”
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She proposed an “Abrahamic Peace Treaty” between Christian and Muslim leaders to reject violence and uphold mutual respect.
Judicial Innovation
Kenya’s Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu warned that attacks on religious freedom “undermine social cohesion and development.”
Youth Engagement
Pepperdine University announced plans to train young leaders across Africa in religious freedom principles.
Advocates urged governments to reject favoritism toward specific faiths and hold persecutors accountable.
The summit will conclude with a Nairobi Declaration, outlining steps to combat religious hatred and promote inclusive governance.
As Danny DeWalt of Pepperdine noted, “This is the birth of a movement,one that starts in Africa but must inspire the world.”
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