Panel: RELIGION AND TRANSFORMATION IN AFRICA: A MULTIFACETED PERSPECTIVE



458.3 - INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE FOR PEACEBUILDING AND SOCIAL COHESION: A CASE STUDY OF THE COAST INTERFAITH COUNCIL OF CLERICS IN MOMBASA COUNTY, KENYA

AUTHORS:
Maganya I. (Tangaza University College ~ Nairobi ~ Kenya)
Text:
This paper examines the role of the Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics (CICC) in promoting interreligious dialogue for peacebuilding and social cohesion in Mombasa County, Kenya. In a region historically plagued by religious and ethnic tensions, the CICC has emerged as a significant player in fostering peace between diverse religious communities, particularly Christians and Muslims. Drawing on qualitative research and grounded theory, this paper explores the approaches employed by the CICC, the challenges they face, and the effectiveness of their strategies in mitigating violence and promoting unity. The theoretical frameworks of Ubuntu and Harambee are applied to contextualize the CICC's efforts, illustrating how African-centered models of cooperation and collective responsibility can contribute to sustainable peace. The study also integrates recent global research on religious actors in peace processes, providing a broader perspective on the importance of interreligious collaboration in conflict transformation.