As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance international cooperation in countering extremist ideologies and promoting the values of moderation, Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism (AOCE) received a delegation of imams and preachers from eight African and Asian countries, representing Guinea-Bissau, Sudan, India, Algeria, Tanzania, Benin, Togo, and Madagascar.
The visit aimed to introduce the delegation to the AOCE pivotal role in monitoring and analyzing extremist thought in 13 different languages, as well as countering misconceptions propagated by terrorist groups.
During the visit, the AOCE supervisors presented a detailed overview of the AOCE work mechanisms, beginning with the close monitoring of online extremist content, followed by the analysis of such materials, development of periodic reports, in-depth studies, and media awareness campaigns.
The delegation, in turn, commended the AOCE efforts in this field and emphasized the need for sharing expertise and knowledge to tackle common challenges, establishing joint training programs for imams and preachers, and offering intellectual and methodological support to counter hate speech and extremism within their local communities.