Rome – “We are probably an exception in the world, because we live in a Muslim-majority country, with a small Catholic community alongside other religious denominations,” says Father Augustin Sébastien Mamadou Diouf, National Coordinator of the Apostolate of the Laity in Senegal, in an interview with Fides News Agency on the sidelines of the International Forum of Catholic Action , held in Rome from 15 to 18 October.
Senegal is a Muslim-majority country, yet it also has a vibrant Catholic minority and communities belonging to other religious denominations. How is such peaceful coexistence possible?
“Muslims and Christians live together in peace and harmony. This is a reality that surprises those who visit Senegal for the first time. The same family may include both Catholics and Muslims. My own name is Mamadou because my father was Muslim, but that did not prevent me from becoming a Catholic and a priest.”
Can Senegal, then, serve as an example for the rest of the world?
“Indeed, it can. In Senegal, we say that Christian-Muslim dialogue is something we experience every day: in our families, on the streets, at work, and by sharing both joyful and difficult moments. There are no particular problems with coexistence. I believe this experience should inspire all those who, despite not sharing the same faith, live side by side.
“In Senegal, no one harasses another person because of their faith. A church can be built next to a mosque. When we celebrate a Catholic feast, we invite our Muslim neighbors, who in turn include us in their own celebrations. We also invite the various Muslim brotherhoods to join us on our pilgrimages.
“This harmony is a blessing for Senegal, and we pray that it may endure.”
Senegal has a young population. What are the main challenges facing young Senegalese Catholics?
“We have a very dynamic young population. Young Catholics turn out in large numbers for Eucharistic celebrations and pilgrimages. This is a blessing because, in a Muslim-majority country, it is important to bear witness to one’s faith through outward expressions as well – not in a Pharisaical sense, but to show that our faith is alive and, above all, to proclaim Jesus Christ through the way we live and the activities we undertake.
“Our young people face the same difficulties as their peers elsewhere in the world, particularly in Africa. Senegal’s economic situation is far from prosperous, and the main problem is unemployment. As a Church, we encourage young people to become self-reliant and entrepreneurial by setting up small businesses or learning a trade, rather than necessarily waiting for the State to intervene, so that they can earn a decent living.”
Can young people’s vulnerability contribute to the spread of sects in Senegal?
“Yes. Several sects are active in our country, partly for this reason. When people are economically and morally vulnerable, they can easily fall prey to ‘spiritual predators’ who sell them the illusion of happiness. Unfortunately, many young people are drawn to these groups. We do everything we can to counter this phenomenon, which affects both Catholics and Muslims.
“Muslims, in fact, may be even more exposed. As a Church, we seek to protect our young people from the influence of sects by helping them develop discernment and avoid falling into the hands of those who promise an easy life while selling illusions. In the Islamic world, brotherhoods offer young people an environment that can provide greater protection against sectarian influence.
“Some sects originate abroad, while others are founded here in Senegal, often for financial reasons.”
Young people in Senegal are also drawn to social media. How is the Church addressing this phenomenon?
“Social media is an issue that the universal Church must address, as Pope Leo XIV also indicated in his encyclical. I believe young people need to be educated in the responsible use of these tools, which must serve humanity, not the other way around.
“When used properly, social media can offer young people many benefits. Unfortunately, the opposite often happens: social media and, today, artificial intelligence as well, are being used to spread hatred and discord.”
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