France Aims to Train Domestic Imams, Boost Mosque Security in National Islam Initiative

Gradually, France is working to replace the detached imams, particularly from Morocco and Algeria, during the Ramadan period, with imams trained on its territory. The prefect of Tarn, the representatives of the security forces (National Police, Gendarmerie and territorial intelligence) and the representatives of the Muslim faith in Tarn gathered on April 25 for the 4th territorial Assises of Islam, to nourish reflections on the training (5 to 7 years) of imams and the implementation of training structures, still very insufficient on the national territory, reports La Dépêche du Midi. "The need is real. The risk would be to leave the void for self-proclaimed Imams," summarizes Bassirou Camara, former secretary of the Saint-Juéry mosque association, now secretary general of the Federation of Muslims of Tarn and member of the National Forum of Islam in France (Forif).

The securing of places of worship is the other subject that filled the debates. Prefect, representatives of the security forces (National Police, Gendarmerie and territorial intelligence) and representatives of the Muslim faith in Tarn are playing their part. "The financial aid from the State for the installation of security equipment (video surveillance cameras) is increasing, up to 80% of participation," welcomes Bissara Camara. Among the beneficiaries of this aid, the mosque of Carmaux and the one in Gaillac installed in a new building. National police patrols will also be deployed to secure the mosques in Tarn. "The prefecture, the police and the gendarmerie have assured us of their support," says Bissara Camara.