African Tijania Leaders Reinforce Continent's Spiritual, Cultural Ties

The Second African Tijania Congress was held at Ammar Thlidji University in Laghouat, focusing on "The Algerian Revolution 1954-1962 and African Memory: The Personality of the Sufi Mujahid Traveler Sidi El Hadj Ben Omar Tidjani." The event, organized by the General Caliphate of the Tijania Order, saw the participation of delegations from over 20 African countries. The opening ceremony was overseen by Mohamed Benmalek, the Governor of Laghouat Province, alongside Sheikh Ali Balarabi Tidjani, the General Caliph of the Tijania Order, and representatives from several Algerian ministries, as well as academics and sheikhs.

Sheikh Imam Abdelkader Guiboub, representing the General Caliph, highlighted the congress as a platform to honor national memory and acknowledge the historical and national contributions of the Tijania zawiya and its adherents in the resistance against French colonialism and the Algerian Liberation Revolution. He underscored the importance of documenting these accounts for future generations, noting Sidi El Hadj Ben Omar Tidjani's role as a national and scholarly figure who integrated spiritual guidance with national defense. Hatem Ben Dhaifullah, representing the Ministry of Mujahideen, added that the Tijania Order served as a strong link between the Algerian Revolution and its African context, extending its spiritual and social influence across the continent to foster support for liberation movements and counteract colonial efforts to isolate nations.

The congress underscored the deep spiritual, scientific, and historical connections shared by African peoples, providing an opportunity for knowledge exchange, experience sharing, and the renewal of fraternal bonds. Massoud Amrouch, representing the Ministry of Religious Affairs, emphasized the Tijania Order's historical significance in reinforcing relations between Algeria and other African nations through its extensive scientific, spiritual, and social reach. The event aimed to highlight the national and African dimensions of the Tijania Order, recognize the contributions of its leading figures in resisting colonialism and preserving national identity, document a shared memory, and strengthen cooperation between Algeria and African countries.