Faith-based organizations as intermediate actors in mediating religious accommodations in postcolonial African contexts

Abstract

This paper explores the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya and the Christian Association of Nigeria as places where people from different faiths come together to encourage dialogue and cooperate in solving shared problems in postcolonial African settings. The two organizations have gradually developed into structured platforms for interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and policy engagement. Through their meetings, consultations, mediation, and advocacy, they have shaped national conversations on religious diversity and more inclusive governance. Internal disagreements, political pressure, and the marginalization of smaller faith communities limit their effectiveness. However, they function as important bridge-building institutions in complex and often divided political environments.