Shadrack Nyakoe
By Njeri Irungu.
Nairobi, Kenya – June 17, 2025 —
In a historic step toward advancing religious liberty on the African continent, the inaugural International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit Africa opened today in Nairobi, Kenya. Hosted at the kind invitation of Kenya’s Chief Justice, Lady Justice Martha Koome, the summit convenes an influential gathering of policymakers, faith leaders, and human rights advocates from across Africa and beyond.
Organized by Pepperdine University and the Religious Freedom Institute, and hosted by the Global Peace Foundation, the three-day summit seeks to elevate religious freedom as a cornerstone for peacebuilding, human dignity, and sustainable development.
Addressing the summit’s opening, H.E. Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, Co-Chair of the IRF Summit, emphasized Africa’s urgent need for greater investment of “time and talent” in advancing religious liberty. “It is our shared responsibility to champion this fundamental cause,” she affirmed.
Her sentiments were echoed by Ambassador Sam Brownback, also a Co-Chair of the summit and former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. Highlighting Africa’s growing importance in the global discourse, Brownback warned that nations which marginalize religious freedom undermine their own prospects for stability and growth.
“If a continent aspires to develop, it must guarantee religious freedom for everyone at all times,” Brownback said. “Religious liberty fosters trade, invites investment, and drives economic growth.”
Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, a fellow Co-Chair and renowned human rights advocate, underscored the intersection between religious freedom and broader human rights, especially for women. “Societies that safeguard fundamental freedoms see better outcomes—particularly for women, who thrive socioeconomically where rights are respected,” she said.
She also called for greater efforts to heal religious divisions on the continent, especially between Christian and Muslim communities. “We need our leaders—religious and political alike—to come together and chart a peaceful, united path forward,” she said, floating the idea of an Abrahamic peace initiative.
Danny DeWalt, Senior Vice President for Global Impact and Chief of Staff at Pepperdine University, framed the summit as a call to action. “This event marks the beginning of a powerful movement to build a pan-African alliance against religious persecution,” he said.
David Trimble, President of the Religious Freedom Institute, emphasized the need for Africa to reclaim its long tradition of religious coexistence. “This summit is not just about acknowledging past struggles—it’s about writing a new future where freedom of faith is integral to Africa’s development journey.”
In her keynote remarks, Kenya’s Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu voiced concern over the rise of violent extremism and shrinking space for religious expression. “These are not isolated infringements—they strike at the heart of our societies and erode the very cohesion we need for peace and prosperity,” she warned.
Mwilu also praised Kenya’s constitutional safeguards on religious freedom, noting that Article 32 explicitly protects freedom of conscience, religion, belief, and opinion. “Our legal framework affirms not only rights, but our cultural commitment to religious diversity and tolerance,” she said.
As the summit continues, discussions will focus on the judiciary’s role in mediating religious conflicts, policy innovations to curb extremism, and the transformative potential of religious freedom in driving Africa’s renaissance.
The Nairobi summit marks a significant moment in the global push for religious liberty, placing Africa at the center of a renewed vision for justice, peace, and inclusive growth.
