In many African countries such as Burkina Faso, there are people with different religions, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds. Burkina Faso is an example of a country where people of different backgrounds live peacefully together. People with Muslim and Christian beliefs live with peace and tolerance.

WHAT IS RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE?

Religious tolerance is when people with different beliefs are allowed to practise their religion. This is protected in two ways:

• By the law – Freedom of religion is in most cases allowed by the law. This means people can practise their religion freely and peacefully without punishment.
• By the people – When people are tolerant, they do not become violent to somebody or shut them out because they have a different religion. They do not hate or say that only their religion is right. Instead, they are welcoming and caring. They live in peace. They respect the religious celebrations and practices of others, and they may borrow from or engage with them. Any arguments about religion are resolved quickly and peacefully, because people treat each other with respect.

TOLERANCE IS A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF LIFE IN BURKINA FASO

Burkina Faso is a great example of religious tolerance in everyday life. Its people belong to different ethnic and religious groups. They are also very connected to their families and their communities, which are often a mix of religions and beliefs. This means that people learn to be tolerant of others from an early age on.

Many people borrow religious practices from different faiths, such as Islam, Christianity, and Animism. Although there are worries that unrest could challenge this tolerance, it is unlikely because it is so important in the culture. The high levels of religious tolerance, respect, and peace in Burkina Faso make the country an example that all nations can learn from.