In Dakar, the capital of Senegal, Young Christians distributed water, dates, sandwiches and coffee to motorists and pedestrians crossing the area at iftar time. This is when Muslims are allowed to have their first meal after the whole day of fasting.
The activity is part of the program organized by the Christian associations "The Hand of the Heart" and "National Council of Secularism" operating in Senegal, in line with the Lent observed by the Christian community. Many non-governmental organizations operating in different fields also supported the action.
Marie Cardinale, the head of the association The Hand of the Heart, said that the activity is in its second edition, after last year's. "Today, we distributed meals for iftar to our Muslim friends to share something in common with Christians. We may have different beliefs, but we respect each other," she said.
Salma Diallo of the NGO "Le Sénégal comme l'aime", expressed her joy to be part of such an initiative as a Muslim. "It is an expression of what is already present in our hearts. As a Muslim from a Christian family, I can say that this is the best action I have taken part in so far. It is a joy for me," she said.
Caty Rose, an employee of the organization, recalled that this year's Ramadan coincides with Lent, during which Christians also fast.
"The wish of the Senegalese youth is to preserve this heritage left by our ancestors. The Muslim and Christian communities in Senegal are very much linked to each other," she said.
In Senegal, which is 96 percent Muslim, more than 60 percent of the population strictly follows Sufi teachings such as Mouridism, Tariqa and Qadiriyya.
Despite the turmoil in the Sahel, Senegal is notably cited as one of the exemplary countries where Muslims and Christians live together peacefully. It is common to find brothers or relatives of different religions in the same family in the country.
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