Maputo, 29 Sep (AIM) – Mozambican President Daniel Chapo calls on religious faiths to be engaged in promotion of ethical and moral values as they are important partners in building a more peaceful society.
The President, speaking on Monday in Matola, southern province of Maputo, at the opening of the 9th National Religious Conference, explained that the more people are aware of morality, moral values and ethical principles, the fewer people the country would have in prison.
Chapo believed that preventing social problems should begin with the moral education of citizens from childhood and the fight against corruption must be accompanied by the education of upright citizens capable of contributing to the construction of a society based on ethical values and peaceful coexistence.
The President also said that the fight against violent extremism in the northern province of Cabo Delgado demands investment in education “and awareness-raising of citizens in order to prevent extremist ideas from gaining ground in society.”
For his part, Hermenegildo Mundlovo, executive director of the Institute for Multiparty Democracy (IMD), a Mozambican NGO, described religious faiths as an important part of the country’s peace infrastructure due to their capacity of raising awareness and community reconciliation.
Mundlovo also called for greater participation by women and young people in peace and security processes, describing inclusion as an important element in strengthening social cohesion.
Representatives of the Christian and Islamic Councils also called for respect for religious freedom, dialogue and cooperation among different faith communities.
(AIM)
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