West Africa: Politics and Religion in Liberia – Why the Senate Must Proceed With Caution On Religious Holiday Legislation Amid Rising Jihadist Influence in West Africa

The recent reemergence of the debate in the Liberian Senate regarding the establishment of separate Christian and Muslim public holidays has stirred significant public discourse–and rightfully so. While the proposal, backed by several senators, appears to be an effort to promote religious inclusion, it risks inflaming dormant religious tensions and potentially opening the door to unintended consequences. At a time when jihadist movements are rapidly expanding in West Africa, the need for caution,…