By: Precious Miracle Kargb
Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Mrs. Fatima Bio, attended the Muslim prayers at the Central Mosque in Makeni during a visit to oversee the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new mosque on the University of Makeni campus
During her visit, the First Lady took part in the traditional Islamic prayer service, demonstrating her personal commitment to promoting interfaith understanding and harmony in the country.
In a statement following the prayers, Mrs. Bio “affirmed her unflinching commitment to upholding inter-religious practices in Sierra Leone.
The mosque construction project at the University of Makeni is part of the government’s broader efforts to cater to the diverse religious needs of the country’s population. Sierra Leone is home to a mix of religious traditions, including Christianity and Islam, and the First Lady’s participation in the Friday prayers is seen as a symbolic gesture of inclusivity and respect for the country’s Muslim community.
“It is important for us to celebrate our diversity and ensure that all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of their faith, feel welcomed and supported,” Mrs. Bio said. “By coming together in prayer, we strengthen the bonds of our shared humanity and reaffirm our nation’s commitment to religious tolerance and understanding.”
The First Lady’s visit and involvement in the mosque groundbreaking and prayer service underscores the government’s efforts to foster interfaith dialogue and create an environment where all Sierra Leoneans can freely practice their religious beliefs without fear of discrimination or marginalization.
