Events

Ambassador Bodde Hosts Iftaar Dinners For Top Malawian Muslim Leaders

It came as a surprise for Egyptian envoy to Malawi Akram Hamdi to see Muslims observing an evening prayer at the home of the American Ambassador.  “This is strange.  You are doing it in a special way here in Malawi,” he told U.S. Ambassador to Malawi Peter W. Bodde.  Ambassador Hamdi was among 40 top Muslim leaders and diplomats invited to an Iftaar dinner hosted by Ambassador Bodde at his residence in Lilongwe in honor of the fasting Muslims.  Another guest was overheard commenting, "We are praying in the compound of the U.S. Ambassador ... things are changing." 

Addressing the guests in Lilongwe, Ambassador Bodde said the month of Ramadan was a special one to the Muslim community throughout the world.  “This month is a special time of prayer, fasting, and reflection, contemplation of God’s greatness, and renewal of commitment through acts of service to those in need, ” commented Ambassador Bodde.

He urged people of all faiths to take the month of Ramadan as a time to reflect on values they hold in common, including love of family, gratitude to God, the importance of community, and a commitment to tolerance and religious freedom.

Ambassador Bodde added that, “America is a land of many faiths, and we welcome and honor the Muslim faith in our nation.  Our society is enriched by our Muslim citizens.  So, too, is Malawi’s.”

In his remarks, Vice Chairperson for the Muslim Association of Malawi Sheikh Al Haj Ali Kennedy thanked Ambassador Bodde for his intention to interact with Muslims in Malawi.   He said “These events are helping to cement relations between the US Government and Muslims in Malawi and it is an encouraging development. All we need is constant communication and collaboration to improve our relations.”

Ambassador Bodde also hosted an Iftaar dinner in Blantyre, an event that attracted around 40 top Muslim leaders based in Malawi's commercial capital