Rwamagana Muslim youths cautioned against radicalism

The youth, especially Muslims in Rwamagana District, have been tasked to be on the lookout for those that could prey on their naivety to sway them into radicalism and terror activities.

Sunday, December 18, 2016
Sheikh Sindayigaya shares ideas with youths in Rwamagana last week. / Kelly Rwamapera

The youth, especially Muslims in Rwamagana District, have been tasked to be on the lookout for those that could prey on their naivety to sway them into radicalism and terror activities.

The call was made by religious leaders from Rwanda Muslim Association (AMUR) at the Kigabiro Islamic School in Rwamagana District on Friday.

Addressing hundreds of youths, Sheikh Moussa Sindayigaya, the spokesperson of AMUR, said the is grappling with acts of terror propagated by people with selfish ends in the name of Islam.

The most gullible in these evil activities that have been rampant in North Africa and the Middle East are youths who are first radicalised before they are recruited into terror networks.

Sindayigaya told the youth that they are determined to meet all Muslims, especially the youth, around the country to share with them the true meaning of Islam.

"Unfortunately, the mind is hidden from the public, we cannot know who plans to do what; that’s why we chose to reach out to every Muslim and tell them to avoid deceptions that come in the name of Allah but to profane Allah,” said Sindayigaya.

Sindayigaya challenged the youths to use the opportunities the country has availed for every citizen to improve their livelihood instead of being misled by "anti-peace organisations that want to destabilise countries and shed innocent blood.”

"Our country has a lot of opportunities especially for youths and women like you. Choose from them and change your lives for the good of your country and your relationship with Allah,” Sindayigaya added.

One of the participants, Mariam Umubyeye, called on parents to be on the lookout for the their children, especially the youth, so that they are able to track any behaviour of terror in them before it is too late.

Recently, security organs unearthed some terror oriented programmes among Muslims where some faithful were using religious gatherings and literature to persuade people into acts of terror.

Since then, Rwanda Muslim Council decided to go around the country, talking to the youths especially Muslims to desist from terrorism activities.

This is the first campaign in Eastern Province after Kigali City and according to Sheikh Sindayigaya the results are amazing.

"We believe, there will not be any other instances of terror plotting in the country because we have the will to find them before they strike,” said Sindayigaya.

At least five people suspected of being members of the known terror groups such as Islamic State have been shot dead in the country in recent months, according to reports from Police.

Over 20 others are at various stages of prosecution.

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