As extremism and division escalate across continents, Albania’s proposal for a sovereign Bektashi state stands as a beacon of peace. The proposal, which entails a unique alliance of religion and state, offers a model for African nations facing similar challenges.

By Henry Ojelu

As nations across Africa grapple with the devastating impacts of extremism and radicalism, a promising development in Albania offers a unique model of peace and tolerance.

Albania’s proposal to grant sovereignty to the Bektashi Order, a moderate Shia Sufi community known for promoting harmony and interfaith dialogue, represents a new countermeasure against rising radicalism.

The proposed “Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order,” situated in Tirana, positions itself as a global beacon of moderation and a shield against the forces of extremism — a mission resonating profoundly with Africa’s own need for peace and stability amid escalating threats from militant factions.

*A new Muslim ‘Vatican’

The Bektashi Order’s proposed sovereign state, akin to a Muslim “Vatican,” is an unprecedented effort to establish an autonomous spiritual center prioritizing tolerance and love.

For His Holiness Hajji Dede Edmond Brahimaj, known to millions as Baba Mondi, the initiative offers a unique chance to amplify these values on a global scale.

“We live in times when extremism and division grow, fueled by those who use faith as a weapon.

“The Bektashi Order stands as a voice of unity, peace, and resilience — qualities Africa, too, deeply values in its own struggles against division,” Baba Mondi said.

Africa, home to one of the world’s fastest-growing Muslim populations, is grappling with unprecedented levels of violence linked to militant Islamist groups.

Islam, practiced by 41 percent of the continent’s 1.3 billion people, is predominantly concentrated in regions facing extremist threats.

Fatalities from Islamist violence have surged by 20 percent in the last year alone, reaching more than 23,000 in 2023, with the Sahel and Somalia experiencing 83 percent of these casualties.

These staggering figures highlight an urgent need for models of moderate Islamic governance, such as the proposed Bektashi state.

The initiative also marks an unusual move by a European nation to sponsor a moderate Shia Muslim community’s independence.

According to Ferdinand Samarxhi, a journalist covering world religions in Albania, the Bektashi Order’s sovereignty is “a significant geopolitical move with potential repercussions across the Shia community.”

He explains further, “In contrast to Iran’s politicized Shia influence through groups like Hezbollah, the Bektashi Order represents a purely spiritual form of Shia Islam that emphasizes inclusivity and moderation. It not only weakens Iran’s monopoly on Shia influence but also offers a model for how moderate Shia voices can gain autonomy.”

*Sudan, Iran, and Africa’s broader extremism challenge

Africa has witnessed firsthand the devastation wrought by extremist groups across the continent, from Boko Haram in Nigeria to Al-Shabaab in East Africa.

Since April 2023, Sudan’s civil war has taken on a dangerous new dimension, as the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) align with external powers, notably Iran and Russia, for military support and supplies.

The partnership has seen Sudan revive diplomatic ties with Iran, empowering Islamist hardliners linked to former autocrat Omar al-Bashir. With these hardliners exercising control over key figures within the SAF leadership, there is heightened concern about a return to strict Islamist rule.

This shift jeopardizes Sudan’s stability and poses serious security risks in East Africa, as destabilization spreads into regions like Darfur, exacerbating violent conflicts and contributing to the world’s largest displacement crisis.

Observers note that the Bektashi Order’s stance could serve as a new model for addressing extremism in such regions.

“Albania’s support for an independent Bektashi state offers a unique counter-model to extremism,” said a Nigerian intelligence official who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic.

This official, who has first-hand experience witnessing the atrocities committed by Boko Haram in the country’s north, added, “The spiritual nature of the Bektashi Order, which focuses on moderation and inclusivity, could serve as an effective alternative to the growing influence of radical groups. This is especially relevant to African nations, where extremist factions exploit socioeconomic vulnerabilities to recruit.”

For Africa, models of peace like the Bektashi Order’s proposed sovereignty offer an alternative to escalating instability by promoting tolerance over factionalism.

Extremist groups often exploit vulnerable populations, especially in regions burdened by economic hardship and limited opportunity.

Baba Mondi believes the Bektashi Order’s new sovereign status could offer Africa a model of spiritual leadership that directly challenges extremist narratives.

“Africa’s strength lies in its diversity and its legacy of coexistence,” Baba Mondi stated. “With this sovereignty, the Bektashi Order stands ready to engage, to share a message of peace that resonates deeply with African values of unity and resilience.”

Romeo Kara, a lawyer and political commentator, highlights the potential benefits of the Bektashi model for African nations, particularly those struggling with radicalization.

“In the Sahel and East Africa, regions deeply impacted by extremism, the Bektashi Order’s message of moderation provides a critical alternative.

“By offering an inclusive spiritual path within Islam, the Bektashi state could help African leaders counter extremist recruitment by addressing the spiritual needs of their populations without sacrificing cultural diversity.”

*Strategic implications and western support

Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama, who is spearheading the initiative, has emphasized the sovereign state as a “haven for peace” and “an emblem of spiritual resilience.

His vision for the Bektashi Order is to create a sanctuary that embodies the potential of religious freedom to counter extremism, a principle many African leaders may find inspiring as they combat radical threats within their own borders.

To ensure the security and resilience of this mission, Robert Ferguson, a former U.S. Secret Service agent with extensive experience protecting U.S. presidents and high-profile figures, has been appointed to lead the security framework for the Bektashi state.

Ferguson’s approach, inspired by Vatican City’s Corps of Gendarmerie, will focus not only on securing physical boundaries but also on creating a safe environment for the Bektashi Order’s mission of peace to flourish.

This initiative challenges the political and religious monopoly Iran holds over the global Shia community by bolstering a moderate Shia alternative, positioning the Bektashi Order as a counterpoint to Iran’s influence, which has long extended through groups like Hezbollah.

“Extremist ideologies often thrive where there is instability and vulnerability, and the Bektashi state offers a peaceful, inclusive model to counteract these influences at their core,” Ferguson stated.

He emphasized the strategic impact that the Bektashi Order could have, not just as a voice of moderation within Islam, but as a force for unity among nations dealing with the impact of radical groups.

Experts note that such a model could inspire similar approaches in regions facing sectarian divides. “The Bektashi model of an autonomous religious state prioritizing peace and community well-being is an innovative approach that many African nations could consider,” explained the same Nigerian intelligence official, whose experiences with Al-Shabaab’s impact underline the urgent need for moderate, peace-focused alternatives.

“By creating a space where spiritual autonomy fosters inclusivity rather than division, the Bektashi state could inspire similar frameworks in regions burdened by sectarian conflict.”

“The Bektashi Order presents an alternative to Iran’s politicized Shia influence, promoting a spiritual vision free from geopolitical agendas,” Ferguson remarked, noting that Iran’s influence has often come through groups that sow division. “By supporting a Shia state centered on inclusivity, Albania and its allies are fostering a model that strengthens religious freedom over political power.”

*Bektashi bank of benevolence: Lifeline for African communities

At the heart of the Bektashi Order’s mission to support peace, tolerance, resilience, and development is the proposed Bektashi Bank of Benevolence, BBB. This humanitarian financial institution would be dedicated to funding projects in Albania and across the developing world, including Africa, with a focus on regions affected by poverty, conflict, and instability. As an essential part of the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order, the BBB is envisioned as a central force for change, providing resources where they are needed most.

“Our approach with the Bektashi Bank of Benevolence is rooted in sustainability,” explained Nik Grezda, a financial advisor to the sovereignty initiative. “We’re not just providing funds; we’re fostering economic independence and stability across communities. Africa’s potential is extraordinary, and by investing in its people, we help cultivate lasting resilience.”

In regions where radicalism has taken root by exploiting poverty and disenfranchisement, the BBB would focus on empowering communities through initiatives that promote education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. For example, the BBB plans to work closely with organizations in developing nations to address urgent needs in healthcare, especially in rural areas where access to medical facilities remains a critical challenge. By funding mobile clinics, vaccination campaigns, and maternal health programs, the BBB aims to address the health disparities that extremists often exploit to recruit vulnerable individuals.

*Ensuring security for mission of peace

Ferguson’s security framework is expected to help the Bektashi Order advocate for peace and coexistence safely, in line with its values of moderation and tolerance. “Our priority is not just securing physical boundaries but ensuring that the Bektashi Order’s spiritual mission thrives in a safe, independent environment,” Ferguson stated.

This comprehensive security approach will help sustain the order’s influence as a peaceful model of Shia Islam, benefiting regions from Europe to Africa and inspiring similar peace-focused initiatives.

With a final call for cooperation, Baba Mondi emphasizes that the Bektashi Order’s mission is to serve not only as a model of peace for Albania but also as an inspiration for African nations and beyond. “The Order’s history is one of resilience and coexistence,” he said. “We are ready to share a message of peace that resonates deeply with African values of unity and resilience, and we invite leaders to join us in building a more inclusive, peaceful world.”