[allAfrica.com] [celtel.com] Was It Really a Christian-Muslim Conflict? The Inquirer (Monrovia) ANALYSIS November 3, 2004 Posted to the web November 4, 2004 By Philip N. Wesseh (pnw) Monrovia Few days ago, what started as a dispute over a plot of land between Mr. Sekou Conneh of the defunct LURD and another person only identified as Kollie in the "Redlight" area, resulted into a serious riot as churches, mosques, schools, businesses and homes were destroyed by thugs and hooligans. The situation which was initially being treated as an ordinary land dispute that normally occurs in the country, took a stance to the dismay and disappointment of many Liberians, especially so when it resulted in the disruption of normal activities in the city and its environs, particularly the Somalia Drive. Peripherally, the destruction of the Mosques and churches by criminal-minded individuals made it to appear as a conflict between Muslims and Christians. What was more nauseating is that some reports in the media seemingly created the impression that this act of lawlessness by these individuals was a result of a conflict between Christians and Muslims. The situation, accordingly, prompted both Christian and Muslim leaders to go public to call for calm. Actually, the move by the Christian and Muslim leaders was timely and necessary since it was reported and made to be perceived as a conflict between the two faiths. Even though these leaders were very clear in their statements that this was not a conflict between Christians and Muslims, they equally warned about such a conflict as it would be detrimental to the survival of the state coming out of years of senseless conflicts. It is an undebatable fact that Christians and Muslims, beside their religious beliefs, are human beings and may have differences either on national issues or otherwise. If anything at all, why would they have to resort to violence because of a land dispute which has nothing to do with the practice or the survival of their distinctive beliefs. My experience has shown that religious conflicts come about when there is an attempt by the believers of one faith to have preferential treatment over the other, or attempt to suppress the other from exercising their freedom of religion. But in the case under discussion, nothing of such nature had occurred prior to this incident. I always told people that the relationship between Christians and Muslims in this country is such that it would be difficult or even impossible for anyone to try to throw in a monkey\x2019}s wrench. The level of religious tolerance in the country is such that Muslims and Christians would continue to interact and coexist. In fact, there is no big fundamental differences between the two faiths. And so, the many similarities would continue to unite them. Socially, intermarriages, affiliation and scholastic friendship have made Christians and Muslims to be intertwined and inseparable to the extent that if one touches a Muslim, it tends to have an effect on a Christian, and vis-a-vis. Besides, the smallness of Liberia as it is always said, has cemented this relations. As it is always said in the Liberian parlance, "this is a small country", and so both Christians and Muslims are either related, schoolmates, classmates, or one way or the other a friend to a relative or friend. Considering this, why would Christians and Muslims engage in such acts? For example, when I heard about the burning of mosques and churches, I was saddened s because I know it cannot be the work of Muslims or Christians, but criminals. I am fully convinced about my assertion because both the Christians Holy Bible and the Muslims Holy Koran abhor destruction, looting, mayhem, plundering, gangsterism, vandalism, hooliganism, among other vices. What was done can only be done by criminals and not Muslims and Christians,. So, if anyone says it was a "religious war, " that person must be a fool to the hundredth degree. The relationship between Muslims and Christians is such that no matter whatever difference, they would not resort to such violence. For example, my next door neighbors in the Barnersville Estate are Muslims, but their children are Christians, something they have accepted to live by. Can such a family promote a religious war? Even, myself, have relatives who are Muslims. Among them is my uncle Walter Wilson, who now goes by the name, Ahmed . I cite this to say how such a conflict can affect everyone, whether Christians or Muslims. This is my case. I guess there are many Liberians with similar situations. Besides, this recent incident, since the 14-year old conflict in the country, there have always been attempts by so-called liberators, freedom fighters and messiahs to bring Muslims, and Christians into the conflict. Regrettably, their devilish and selfish desires have not gained ground. for me, since Liberians were never divided on religious line during the years of conflict, I do not see why they should do so because of a land dispute between two individuals which has nothing to do with religion. I write this article to disabuse people of the nation that, what took place recently was a religious conflict. This was never a religious conflict. It was only an act by criminal-minded individuals or was used by some individuals to settle scores with others. But thank God their selfish design was "rebuked in the name of the Lord." That is, their attempt to religionize their devilish design has failed. In fact, the way and manner in which the curfew is being treated should send a signal that there is no conflict between Christians and Muslims. Had it really been such a conflict, the curfew would be respected. I should not be misconstrued as supporting disrespect for the rule of law, but because the people are not at conflict religiously, they are relaxed, and would want to see the curfew being lifted soon to begin their normal business as there is no place for criminals. To conclude, the recent lawlessness was not a religious conflict. At the same time, let the government be proactive in similar cases next time. The incident started about 5 p.m. on Thursday, but because proper action was not taken, it spread rapidly to other parts of the city and its environs.   =============================================================================  Copyright © 2004 The Inquirer. All rights reserved. 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