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Nigeria Gains European Support for Peace, Leaders Call for Religious Harmony
At the First Step Forum in Abuja, European and Nigerian leaders call for ending violence, protecting civilians, and strengthening collaboration for lasting peace.
European figures, including former Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger, Swiss diplomat Marc Jost, and Austria’s Gudrun Kugler-Lang, have expressed backing for Nigeria’s peace initiatives in the northern regions.
The leaders attended the First Step Forum in Abuja, an international platform promoting religious freedom and interfaith dialogue, joining Muslim and Christian leaders. The meeting, framed by the Abuja Declaration for Sustainable Peace and Religious Harmony, produced a four-point communiqué focusing on reducing violence in the Middle Belt and northern states.
The communiqué emphasized ending impunity, protecting civilians, and strengthening international support for peace efforts. Heger drew lessons from Slovakia’s history, noting Nigeria’s rich traditional and religious values as tools to inspire youth.
“My country, Slovakia… went through several tough decades to become part of the free world, but Nigeria has great traditional and religious values that role models can leverage to mobilize the younger generation,” he said.
Hon. Teejay Yusuf warned that declining traditional and religious values fuel national challenges and called for proactive leadership. Heger added that collaboration between domestic and international actors is key to progress.
The forum also highlighted the need for early warning mechanisms, mediation, and dialogue to foster reconciliation, restorative justice, and lasting peace. Attendees included the Emir of Bungudu, Zamfara State, and representatives from leading Christian and Muslim organizations.
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