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Sheikh Mussa Sindayigaya elected as Mufti of Rwanda

By IGIHE
On 27 May 2024 at 07:06

Sheikh Mussa Sindayigaya has been elected as the new Mufti of Rwanda, succeeding Sheikh Salim Hitimana, who led the Rwanda Muslim Community (RMC) for eight years. The election took place on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Sheikh Sindayigaya Mussa received 44 votes, with 9 votes being invalid. This election replaced the one initially scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Sheikh Salim Hitimana, the outgoing Mufti of Rwanda, announced his decision to withdraw from the candidacy, citing his eight-year tenure and confidence in Sheikh Sindayigaya Mussa’s capabilities.

He said, "I trust him and know that he can achieve even more than I could. You made the right choice in selecting him for this position. I have decided to withdraw my candidacy due to my eight years of service and 30 years since 1994 working for this community. You understand that this is a long time."

The new Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya, expressed his gratitude for the leadership of his predecessor and the committee, as well as for the support he received in the election.

He stated, "We will build on what they have achieved and the strong foundations they have left us. We are confident that they will continue to support us in uniting the Muslim community in Rwanda."

Sheikh Sindayigaya emphasized the importance of cooperation and unity, saying, "We will promote teamwork and complement each other. We will continue to strengthen the unity of Muslims. Unity is paramount, and we will strive to build and maintain the unity of Muslims."

Mushumba Yunusu was elected as the Deputy Mufti, while Ibrahim Segisekure was chosen to handle conflict resolution within the Rwanda Muslim Community.

Sheikh Sindayigaya also highlighted the focus on major development projects aimed at empowering the Muslim community in Rwanda.

He said, "We will consider large-scale development projects to enable the Muslim community in Rwanda to become self-reliant and undertake necessary initiatives. We will look into significant projects aimed at achieving self-sufficiency."

The elections also included the selection of the Supreme Council, consisting of 61 religious scholars from all districts of the Supreme Council, the country and representatives of various sectors.

The Fifth Rwanda Population and Housing Census (RPHC) conducted in 2022 indicated that Muslims make up 2% of the population.

Sheikh Mussa Sindayigaya has been elected as Mufti of Rwanda.
Sheikh Salim Hitimana, the outgoing Mufti of Rwanda.
Members of Rwanda Muslim Community participated in elections held on Sunday.

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