The Centre for Education, Training and Documentation on Islamic-Christian Dialogue and Integral Development (CEFDICDI) was founded by Dominican priests on December 6, 2024 in Dakar. The purpose of this institution is to preserve the Senegalese model of ‘political stability and peaceful coexistence’ between religions. Approximately 95% of the population of Senegal is Muslim and 4% Christian, and both faiths regularly share celebrations, social solidarity, and mutual respect. This culture of harmony is rooted in the values of tolerance, the sanctity of family ties, and the guidance of religious leaders who advocate openness and peace. However, emerging challenges such as Islamic radicalism, rejection of traditional Sufi authority, and divisive rhetoric in the media pose risks to social cohesion. These threats underline the urgent need to institutionalise interfaith dialogue as a safeguard for stability.
Vision: The Centre envisions a Senegal where Muslims and Christians live in lasting harmony, supported by strong institutions of dialogue, education, and mutual respect. By nurturing a culture of tolerance and countering radical ideologies, CEFDICDI aims to be a pillar of social peace, integral development, and national cohesion.
Mission: CEFDICDI is dedicated to promoting and institutionalising dialogue between Muslim and Christian communities in Senegal. Its mission is to serve as a platform for education, training, mediation, and documentation, ensuring a sustainable framework for interfaith understanding and peaceful coexistence. CEFDICDI’s strategy combines interfaith education, dialogue forums, mediation units, and rigorous research. The Centre will mobilise religious leaders, educational institutions, civil society organisations, and international partners to build credibility and ensure wide participation. Its expected results include stronger social cohesion, the creation of a network of peace ambassadors, and recognition as a reference point for interfaith dialogue in Senegal.
The implementation plan is phased over three years: planning and mobilisation, programme launch, expansion, and consolidation. Activities will be supported by a diversified funding strategy involving international donors, local government, private sector partners, and community fundraising.
CEFDICDI represents a timely and strategic initiative to safeguard Senegal’s unique heritage of interfaith harmony. By institutionalising dialogue, educating the next generation, and strengthening the credibility of moderate leadership, the Centre will play a vital role in countering radicalisation and ensuring sustainable peace and development.
Objectives
The Centre’s objectives are fourfold:
Notable Achievements: While newly conceived, CEFDICDI builds on Senegal’s strong legacy of interreligious harmony and draws inspiration from international models such as The Dialogue Institute in the United States of America, the Centre for World Peace in Malaysia, and the Interfaith Centre in Bangalore, India. These successful initiatives demonstrate the transformative impact of structured dialogue and serve as benchmarks for CEFDICDI’s work.
