Major Muslim Federations in France Plan New Coordination Body

In a press release, the Federation of the Great Mosque of Paris, the Rally of Muslims of France, Muslims of France and the French Federation of Islamic Associations of Africa, the Comoros and the Antilles announced the establishment of a "coordination", to "conduct an in-depth reflection on the restructuring of the representation of the Muslim faith in France in order to better serve the Muslims of France".

These four dissident federations call on "all the leaders of places of worship and mosques to actively participate in this work of reflection which will allow the emergence of a representative structure of the Muslim faith in France capable of meeting the expectations and aspirations of the Muslims of France". "The new representative body will embody the essential values of authentic and open Islam, in dignity and equity, in perfect symbiosis with the values and principles of the Republic," they affirm. They also promise "governance based on equality between the different sensibilities and far from any hegemonic ambition".

Since the French government decided to reorganize the Muslim faith, the CFCM has been living to the rhythm of divisions. The "Charter of Principles for Islam in France", wanted by Emmanuel Macron, has sparked fierce tensions within the Muslim organization. Three federations have still not signed this charter.