Chérif Boun Chamsidine Aïdara, president of the Federation of Religious Associations and Communities in Casamance, called for dialogue and solidarity during this period of Ramadan and Lent, in an interview with APS/Ziguinchor. The religious leader also extended his best wishes to the Muslim community and a blessed Lent to the Christian faithful.

Chérif Boun Chamsidine Aïdara welcomed the coincidence between these two periods of spiritual fervor, insisting on the need to establish solidarity, strengthen youth education and dialogue between the different components of the nation.

For him, the coincidence between Ramadan and Lent is a reminder that religious brotherhood is already decreed by God: "It is up to us to practice it and materialize it through love, forgiveness, peace and solidarity."

Faced with the numerous economic, social and security crises shaking the world, Chérif Aïdara believes that this spiritual period constitutes "an opportunity to pull ourselves together and work to preserve social peace".

Before stressing the need to prioritize dialogue rather than confrontation, particularly between young people and the defense and security forces.

Chérif Boun Chamsidine Aïdara advocated for an increased role for religious leaders in mediation and conflict prevention, in order to anticipate tensions instead of intervening only in times of crisis.

On the issue of education, the religious leader lamented the lack of guidance for young people. According to him, much is taught, but not enough is actually educated.

Chérif Boun Chamsidine Aïdara also invited parents, teachers and religious leaders to embody the values they advocate, especially in the face of the influence of social networks.