FOLLOW US
Think Tank 2022
Peace Tour Builds UPF in Mali
Tuesday, August 1, 2006
Bamako, Mali - UPF continental director for Africa Rev. Eiji Tokuno and his wife brought the UPF peace messages to Mali on August 1, with the assistance of Rev. Adama Doumbia, director of the West African zone, who arrived from Cote d'Ivoire to lend his able support.
Arriving from Nairobi, Rev. and Mrs. Tokuno were met at the airport by the reception committee and escorted to the elegant Hotel Sofitel de l’Amitié, where they were greeted by a larger number of Ambassadors for Peace. From there they went to the National Assembly.
The National Assembly was in full session, but the Hon. Oumar Kanoute, the fifth Vice Speaker, received Rev. Tokuno and his delegation together with two other Deputies, the Senior Abdoulaye Frederic Traore and Mr. Issa Togo, who had the benefit of knowing of the work of the UPF, having attended an educational workshop in Cotonou, Benin in May. The meeting with the Deputies was very fruitful. They understood that UPF is seeking to unite religious people in order to attain peace in the world.
The conference hall of 500 seats of Hotel Sofitel de l’Amitié was almost full by 4:00 pm. The conference began at 5:35 with invocations by El Hadj Ousman Chérif Haidara representing Islam and Pastor Fabien representing Christianity.
The audience became attentive listeners as the peace messages were read; the musical interludes were wonderfully executed by the performing artists including Djeneba Seck, Zani Diabate and his group, and also Tata Bambo. All sang of peace, helping the audience understand and better appreciate the messages. All this created a joyful atmosphere.
At the conclusion, about 50 persons were awarded with Ambassador for Peace certificates. A medal was awarded to El Hadj Ousman Chérif Haidar.
To read a message delivered during the UPF peace tours click here.