During the fast breaking in Dakar, some groups of young Christians invade the streets of the capital to distribute breakfasts to Muslim passers-by. An act of solidarity that once again strengthens the Islamic-Christian dialogue in Senegal.
Young Christians, gathered in the area of the Jet d’Eau in Dakar, distributed water, dates, sandwiches and coffee to motorists and pedestrians crossing the area at iftar time. This activity is part of the programme organised by the Christian associations “La Main du Cœur” and “Conseil national de la Laïcité” operating in Senegal, in line with the fasting period observed by the Christian community. This initiative, a message of peace, moved many people.
It has thus received the support of many non-governmental organisations operating in different fields. “Today we distributed iftar meals to our Muslim friends to break their fast and also to share something in common with Christians. We have different beliefs, but we respect each other,” said Marie Cardinale, head of the association La Main du Cœur.
Over 2,600 meals were distributed: An expression of love
This generous action was set up spontaneously by members of the Facebook group “Let’s go out Senegal”, where individuals exchange good addresses. Many strong reactions enhanced the brotherhood between the Senegalese.
“That’s how young people, old people, Christians and Muslims, we all set up on the Liberté 6 cross-road in Dakar on Wednesday and we set up a big distribution of meals. In total, we distributed 2,600. People really appreciated it because that’s what Senegal is all about, here we really have a dynamic of solidarity, sharing and understanding. We have this capacity to live together and carry out a common actions. It is a tradition that we pass on from generation to generation. During Easter, for example, Christians usually prepare Ngalakh [dessert sénégalais typique] and share it to their Muslim brothers. During Korite and Tabaski[fêtes musulmanes de l’Aïd-al-fitr et l’Aïd el-kebir,] muslims do the same with their food”.
Salma Diallo from the association testifies: ” It is the most beautiful thing I can do, because I am from a Christian-Muslim family “. Senegal as we love it, “It is a joy, a great joy, I am very happy to be here with the Muslims, the Christians, God unites us, and our hearts have become one today.
Senegal is one of those countries where about 96% of the population is Muslim. The country is cited as one of the exemplary countries where Muslims and Christians live together peacefully. Similarly in Senegal, it is common to find brothers or relatives belonging to different religions in the same family.
