Nigeria’s Muslim and Christian leaders sign a peace accord
More than 50 leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, pledged to reject hate speech and work together.
Key points
- More than 50 Christian and Muslim leaders signed an interfaith peace accord in Abuja on 12 August 2026.
- Signatories included the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, and Archbishop John Praise Daniel of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders’ Assembly.
- The accord commits leaders to reject hate speech and creates a new body to promote cooperation between the faiths.
More than 50 Muslim and Christian leaders in Nigeria have signed an interfaith peace accord, pledging to reduce religious tensions and work together. The accord was signed in Abuja on 12 August 2026.
Who signed
Those present included the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar, and Archbishop John Praise Daniel, chairman of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders' Assembly.
What they agreed
The signatories committed to reject hate speech and strengthen cooperation between Nigeria's two largest religious communities. The accord also creates a new body to promote cooperation between Christian and Muslim leaders across the country.
It was signed at a two-day conference on religion, diversity and social peace organised by the Muslim World League. Its Secretary-General, Mohammad Al-Issa, said leaders from both faiths were eager to "turn a new page".
Why it matters
Nigeria is almost evenly divided between Muslims and Christians, and violence in the north and centre of the country has often been framed in religious terms. An accord signed by leaders from both communities is not a solution on its own, but it is a public commitment to dialogue at a time when it is badly needed.
Sources
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