Bissau’s oldest mosque under renovation

Pilloun Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the West African sub-region, is under renovation. Located in the heart of Bissau , the mosque has always been the epicentre of Islamic propagation in Guinea-Bissau.

Sheriff Hatab Hydara, Kalif of Daru Kairu Cherif Kunda, Casamance (Senegal) graced the occasion marking the beginning of this immense project.
 
The renovation of the 89-year old mosque came at a crucial time when the state of this place of worship was deterioting gradually, a situation which caused a lot of fear amongst the Muslim community who was very concerned about the security conditions of the mosque.

The project is jointly funded by Mosque Appeal and Charity Network (TCN) based in United Kingdom. Annasru (Deen and Development), a Gambian registered Islamic charitable organisation, is overseeing the whole initiative.   With its different branches located in Senegal, Guinea Bissau  and Mauritania, the organisation has been very instrumental in achieving this project.

Speaking at the ceremony, Flourintina Manki, Mayor of Bissau commended the sponsors for their kind gesture. According to him, the renovation of a mosque is another important step towards the consolidation of the religion of Allah.

“This  mosque, when completed, will serve a lot of Muslims. It is located at a strategic point predominantly occupied by Muslims. This is a greatl moment and I really commend them for their support,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Ebrima Sowe, head of Islamic Affairs in President Vieira’s government, expressed his profound gratitude to the sponsors for  what he described as a true service to humanity. He then added that “Pilloun is an important suburb in Bissau where a large community of Muslims resides. It’s also a historical site. I wish to extend our President’s deepest appreciation and best wishes to Sheikh Cherif Hatab Hydara and his men for their support,” he said.

Shortly after officially launching the project, Sheikh Cherif Hatab Hydara, Kalif of Daru Kairu in Casamance, commended the people for their gesture adding that as Muslims we should always inculcate love among ourselves.

“We should respect each other and live in peace. The renovation of this old mosque provides more space to Muslims as its size will be augmented,” he indicated.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Mamadi Alieu Jallow, former president, Guinea Islamic Council, Alhagie Kaffia Manneh, Imam of the mosque, and Abdou Bayo, president of the Islamic Association in Bissau among others.