The Muslim Initiatives Forum (MIF) has urged the youth from the Great Lakes countries to make a significant contribution in promoting peace and tolerance.The call was made at the weekend during the Great Lakes Muslim Youth Conference at Islamic Cultural Centre in Nyamirambo, Kigali.According to the organisation officials, lack of culture of peace and tolerance affects lives in a multitude of ways and that the contribution of a religious-based youth is necessary for a strong community and a vibrant and prosperous region. “No one should harm another because of differences in identity or religion. The best way of preventing conflict is early empowerment and engaging people in that prevention,’’ said Shata Ibrahim, the MIF president.The conference drew Muslim youth and scholars from Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, DR Congo and hosts, Rwanda.The conference aimed at presenting tolerance-based Islamic lectures, discussing mechanisms for eradicating violence against women, among other topics.It is expected that after the conference, participants will be informed, empowered and engaged to bring positive change in socio-economic development in the region.Ishaq Mustafa, a student at Mbarara University of Sciences and Technology in Uganda, said he is convinced to succeed in bringing positive change in society, the youth should begin by self-change, changing friends, neighbours before bringing other people on board.
