Benin: installation of the new imam of Porto-Novo’s central mosque

The Porto-Novo central mosque officially installed its new imam, Ichaou Alakouko Samad, in an emotional and contemplative atmosphere.

Less than a week after the death of El-Hadj Amzat Houzéifa, the Muslim community turned out in force to welcome his successor, seen as a man of continuity and reinforcement of the values advocated by his predecessor.

The installation ceremony took place under the blessing of Patriarch Karim Urbain da Silva and the General Secretary of the Council of Mosques and Muslims of Benin (CCMP), Gafarou Akanni.

In his speech, Ichaou Alakouko Samad expressed his gratitude and his determination to preserve the unity of the Muslim community, while continuing the work of dialogue and cohesion begun by his predecessor.

“The branch will not break in the hands of the chameleon”, he declared, signifying his commitment to fully assume his new responsibilities.

Priority to living together and interfaith dialogue

The new imam stressed the need to promote living together and inter-faith dialogue, seen as essential pillars of social peace and the strengthening of fraternity between the faithful of all faiths.

With this transition, Porto-Novo’s central mosque enters a new era, marked by a renewed commitment to harmony and spirituality within the Muslim community and beyond.