Press Release for Mali: Destruction of Religious Sites in Timbuktu

(CHICAGO, IL July 11, 2012) – The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) joins other sobering voices around the world, including the United African Organization and CIOGC member native Malians in a prayer for a return to peaceful co-existence of the many historic tribal communities in Mali, West Africa. CIOGC strongly condemns the outrageous destruction of Mali’s historical sites and artifacts. The extremist groups, many of whom have no connection to the Malian people or land, are acting on an ideology that has no regard for sacred symbols or peace. They are outside of the mainstream of the Islamic faith.

CIOGC has a long history in standing in solidarity for the rights and dignities of Muslims and non-Muslims around the world, it can do no less in face of these wanton acts of destruction in Mali.

CIOGC has a long history in standing in solidarity for the rights and dignities of Muslims and non-Muslims around the world, it can do no less in face of these wanton acts of destruction in Mali.
We add our voice to the United African Organization in speaking out against the continuing violations and abuses of human rights by armed terrorist groups occupying the northern part of Mali and the worsening humanitarian situation on the ground.

The diverse Muslim communities represented by CIOGC call for an end to the acts of vandalism in the besieged ancient African Muslim cities like Timbuktu, Jenne and Gao in Mali.

We join our voice because Mali occupies a special place in the global and glorious history of Islam. But importantly because we must live up to our own values to insure the livelihood of all. As stated by Alie Kabba, Executive Director of the United African Organization office in Chicago, the Muslim world goes beyond the traditional Middle Eastern and North African countries and, “understanding our interconnectedness through history is an essential cornerstone of our responsibility to appreciate the faith that unites our diverse community.”