By Alkali Cham The two main camps of Islamic organizations such as the Rawadatul Majaliz an organization backed by traditional based Islamic Scholars and the Supreme Islamic Council have agreed in principle to put their differences aside after the intervention of government mediator. Bunena Hydara, who led the mediation team between the two camps, disclosed that the Imam Modou Lamin Touray who is the president of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council have agreed not to contest for positions as their term in office ends. The mediator said he is working with his committees to resolve the leadership controversy between the two parties once and for all and at the moment he have heard promising words from the two groups with regards to leadership of Supreme Islamic council . According to the two sides, the Supreme Islamic council’s constitution may be reviewed and certain clauses in the constitution may change to suit the needs of people base on the consent of the leadership of current supreme Islamic Council. The Principal mediator added that there is not difficulty in this situation as Imam Touray’s lead camp has their term of office expired and he (Touray) assured him that they will not seek for any further extension. The mediation team added that the Rawdatul Majaliz has already identified their candidate for the presidency of GSIC which is in person of Sheriff Nano Hydara and he advised that both sides should take patience as the matter have reached the President of the republic and other officials in charge of religious affairs of the Gambia . It will be recalled that the dust of confusion has covered the cloths of the leadership of Islam in this country as both sides struggle to take charge of Islamic affairs in the country. The two groups in the leadership tussle are considered by many to be the engines of Islam in the country, and their continued race for position in the Umbrella Islamic organization GSIC will only look funny on themselves and Islam in The Gambia as a whole.
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