Algerian Radio
The African Union (AU) Commission and the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa. Commemorating a decade of official cooperation, the agreement outlines the mechanisms for the next phase of joint action in interreligious and intercultural dialogue across the continent, according to an AU statement.
On this occasion, the Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission, Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, emphasized the significance of partnership and dialogue in building a unified and peaceful Africa.
Ms. Haddadi stated that the AU Commission attaches "utmost importance" to this partnership, as it "strengthens our collective efforts to promote mutual understanding, prevent conflicts, and build resilience within our communities, in line with Agenda 2063." She highlighted that dialogue remains essential for continental unity and that "cooperation enhances our ability to translate this vision into concrete actions on the ground."
For his part, the Acting Secretary-General of KAICIID, Ambassador António de Almeida Ribeiro, stressed the necessity of inclusive dialogue to address peace and security challenges in Africa.
"Peace and security challenges in Africa cannot be addressed through political frameworks alone; trust relies on local communities, and religious leaders rely on their influence," Almeida Ribeiro stated, noting that "real change occurs when these actors are empowered and supported." He added that this partnership transforms dialogue from an abstract concept into tangible change applied at the grassroots level.
The signing was accompanied by a roundtable themed "Fostering a Culture of Transformative Dialogue in the African Region," which brought together senior AU officials and the Ambassador of the Republic of Portugal, representing the host country of KAICIID.
As a reminder, the first MoU between the African Union and the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) was signed in 2013. Official cooperation commenced in 2016, aiming to create a structured continental platform for religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society organizations to engage directly on peace and security issues.
