Nigeria’s Muslim and Christian leaders sign new peace accord

NewsNigeria’s Muslim and Christian leaders sign new peace accord** ADVANCE FOR SUNDAY MARCH 26 ** Thousands of worshippers participate in the Holy Ghost festival night revivals at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lagos, Nigeria.   -   Copyright © africanews GEORGE OSODI/AP2006By Rédaction Africanews and APLast updated: 14/08 - 11:10NigeriaMore than 50 Muslim and Christian leaders have signed a new peace accord in Nigeria, aiming to ease religious tensions and promote harmony. The agreement was signed in Abuja, where faith leaders launched a new body focused on cooperation between the country’s two main religious communities. Nigeria’s population of more than 200 million is roughly divided between a predominantly Muslim north and a largely Christian south. The accord comes after years of violence by Islamist groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province. While Christians have been among the victims, analysts say the vast majority of those killed have been Muslims.Religious leaders called the agreement a turning point, urging an end to hate speech, insults and rhetoric targeting other faiths. The deal also comes ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 election, when religion is expected to remain a major factor in politics. Focus on the religious divide was heightened last November when U.S. President Donald Trump called Nigeria a "disgraced country" ​and threatened military action over what he said was the treatment of Christians by "Islamic Terrorists".You may also like01:14Spain PM Pedro Sanchez rules out Moroccan role in Ceuta migrant surge 5 minutes ago01:10Algeria moves to restore death penalty for deliberate forest fires 24 minutes ago00:56Notting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 2 hours agoFrom the same country02:18Nightlife thrives in deeply religious northern state of Nigeria 28/08 - 14:29Nigeria orders manhunt after deadly mass kidnapping 26/08 - 10:2301:40Thousands gather in Lagos Nigeria to celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birth 26/08 - 10:24View moreShareMore About Christianity Muslim Nigeria Donald TrumpYou may also like01:14Spain PM Pedro Sanchez rules out Moroccan role in Ceuta migrant surge 5 minutes ago01:10Algeria moves to restore death penalty for deliberate forest fires 24 minutes ago00:56Notting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 2 hours agoFrom the same country02:18Nightlife thrives in deeply religious northern state of Nigeria 28/08 - 14:29Nigeria orders manhunt after deadly mass kidnapping 26/08 - 10:2301:40Thousands gather in Lagos Nigeria to celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birth 26/08 - 10:24On the same subjectTHIS IS CULTURE02:20Gaani festival celebrates history of resilient peoples united by shared history 29/08 - 14:27NEWS01:12ICC Chief Tomoko Akane vows to defend court after U.S. sanctions 27/08 - 13:00BUSINESS AFRICA11:19Ecowas : will the ECO finally become a reality in 2027? [Business Africa] 27/08 - 15:38NEWS01:06Nigeria: Religious leaders unite for social peace in West Africa 21/08 - 17:52NEWS01:09South Africa: Beauty Queen Chidimma Adetshina fights deportation 21/08 - 16:14NEWS01:41Liberia agrees to accept up to 1,200 US deportees under Trump migration deal 24/08 - 14:37More stories01:25General Abdourahamane TchianiCalm returns to Niger's capital one day after failed army mutiny 7 hours ago01:02CoupVote counting underway in Guinea-Bissau referendum that could expand presidential powers 6 hours ago00:56United KingdomNotting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 2 hours agoRead the full article at Africanews