On Sunday, September 27, 2026, Dr. Fatih Bouthabiquet, President of the African Parliament, conducted a fraternal visit to the Grand Caliph of the Tijani Order, Sidi Ali Belarabi, at his headquarters in Algiers. This visit was part of his efforts to engage with various stakeholders and living forces that contribute to promoting peace and convergence among the continent's populations.
The meeting provided an opportunity for exchanging views on several issues and challenges facing the African continent, particularly those related to consolidating peace, tolerance, and brotherhood values, promoting social cohesion, and the role that religious and spiritual references can play in supporting stability and convergence efforts among African populations.
Dr. Bouthabiquet emphasized the importance of spiritual diplomacy as a complementary aspect of parliamentary and official diplomacy. He noted that African religious references have a historical background, social presence, and the ability to spread a culture of dialogue, moderation, and balance, contributing to conflict prevention and countering extremist and divisive rhetoric.
The President of the African Parliament praised the spiritual and cultural stature of the Tijani Order and its extensive presence in several countries, particularly in West Africa. He commended its historical contribution to strengthening ties between African communities and promoting tolerance, coexistence, and peace values.
The meeting also addressed developmental and security challenges facing the continent and the need to unify efforts and promote African solidarity to address them. Both parties shared the conviction that building a more secure, stable, and prosperous Africa requires not only the involvement of political and economic institutions but also the engagement of various influential social and spiritual forces.
The visit highlighted Algeria's historical role and its African depth, as well as its supportive positions on continental issues and efforts to promote peace, security, development, and solidarity among African countries and peoples. This aligns with the President of the African Parliament's vision to expand dialogue and communication spaces with various stakeholders.
The visit is part of Dr. Bouthabiquet's broader vision to enhance African parliamentary diplomacy by engaging with cultural, social, and spiritual dimensions, aiming to serve a common goal: a more united and solidary Africa, capable of addressing its challenges with an African spirit and solutions.
Key points
- Dr. Fatih Bouthabiquet stresses the importance of spiritual diplomacy in promoting African peace and convergence.
- The meeting discussed developmental and security challenges facing Africa and the need for unified efforts.
- The visit highlighted Algeria's role in promoting peace, security, and solidarity among African countries.
