West African Christians say they are marginalized during Ramadan
Upholding minorities religious freedoms in predominantly Muslim countries can be a delicate matter when members of other religions are asked to follow Islamic customs.
For centuries, Muslims and Christians have lived side by side in Muslim-majority countries like Guinea and Gambia, with joint celebration of religious feasts, and even intermarriages, taking place from time to time, says DW s Omar Wally.
However, as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan unfolds, reports indicate that Christian minorities in these two West African nations are complaining of increasing marginalization.
Discriminatory Ramadan rules?
Prior to Ramadan this year, the Gambian government passed a controversial bill that cut the daytime working hours of female civil servants during the holy month.
West African Christians marginalized during Ramadan
The ability to uphold minorities religious freedoms in predominantly-Muslim countries appears to be a delicate matter. Although in Gambia which maintains a secular constitution it s a little more complicated.
For centuries, Muslims and Christians have lived side by side in many African countries, such as Guinea and Gambia both Muslim-majority countries.
DW s Omar Wally confirmed that there have been intermarriages and joint celebration of religious feasts in Gambia.
However, as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan unfolds, reports indicate that Christian minorities in these two West African nations are complaining of increasing marginalization.
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Muslim authorities have discussed regulations for online prayers and banning public dinners after sunset as Ramadan begins this week. Many mosques are closed, and vaccines are recommended.
Ramadan will feature distancing and masks for people who plan to pray at mosques
The month of Ramadan begins on Monday for some countries in the Americas and on Tuesday for most of the rest of the world. The exact starting time depends on the visibility of the new crescent moon, with the majority of Muslim countries following Saudi Arabia s sighting of the new moon, which would be on Tuesday.