West African Christians say they are marginalized during Ramadan
Upholding minorities religious freedoms in predominantly Muslim countries can be a delicate matter when members of other religions are asked to follow Islamic customs.
For centuries, Muslims and Christians have lived side by side in Muslim-majority countries like Guinea and Gambia, with joint celebration of religious feasts, and even intermarriages, taking place from time to time, says DW s Omar Wally.
However, as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan unfolds, reports indicate that Christian minorities in these two West African nations are complaining of increasing marginalization.
Discriminatory Ramadan rules?
Prior to Ramadan this year, the Gambian government passed a controversial bill that cut the daytime working hours of female civil servants during the holy month.
West African Christians marginalized during Ramadan
The ability to uphold minorities religious freedoms in predominantly-Muslim countries appears to be a delicate matter. Although in Gambia which maintains a secular constitution it s a little more complicated.
For centuries, Muslims and Christians have lived side by side in many African countries, such as Guinea and Gambia both Muslim-majority countries.
DW s Omar Wally confirmed that there have been intermarriages and joint celebration of religious feasts in Gambia.
However, as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan unfolds, reports indicate that Christian minorities in these two West African nations are complaining of increasing marginalization.
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