Sheikh Mohamed El Abd, who leads Al Azhar’s relief convoy to the Central African Republic, said it aims to send a peace and coexistence message to the African state where thousands of innocent people were killed and infrastructure destroyed.

A statement by Al Azhar on Thursday said the new mission started its work last night after being welcomed at the level of CAR presidency.

It clarified that the mission was launched upon a request from former CAR President Catherine Samba-Panza who sought support from Al Azhar to help the people suffering from the scourge of war there.

Members of the convoy are scheduled to meet with the president, a number of Islamic and Christian leaders, and the ministers of health, education, reconciliation, family and culture, the statement said.

A number of symposiums will also be held during the visit to address the needs of Muslim citizens, it added, noting that more scholarships for CAR students would to be announced. 

Source : MENA