La dynamique de l’islam chez les Beti du Centre : XIXe-XXIe siècles"

Abstract

The study herbey is entitled: "The dynamics of Islam in the Beti people belonging to the centre region". Aspired to identify the factors that structure the influence of Islam in the Beti territory of the Centre, to identify the changes that have occurred in this religion since its establishment at the end of the 19th century and to determine its impact in this geographical area. At the end of the investigations, it appears that the dynamics of Islam is part of the perspective of a historical continuity. This evolutionary process has its roots in the pre-colonial period, strengthened under colonization and consolidated in the post-independence era. It is the combination of several factors that are both exogenous and endogenous to the Muslim community. In the first group, we note the contribution of the European commands, the role of the post-independence administrations, the adoption of the law on freedoms of association of 1990 as well as the sympathy of the Beti dignitaries towards the Sudanese and Bamoun Muslims. In the second register, we note the incidence of continual migration towards the Beti localities of the Centre, the proselytism of the rich Arab-Muslim nations, the ethno-ideological dissensions, the generosity of the faithful Muslims and their desire to have access to the eschatological promises. Among the marks that testify to the evolution of this religion, figure its uninterrupted expansion through all the Beti localities of the Center, the explosion of places of worship, the growth of Muslim associations of various orders, the proliferation of educational institutions, the emergence of health structures and Islamic communication organs, the rise of ideological currents. The main change caused by Islam is its contribution to the recomposition of the religious landscape of the locality, thus accentuating its multi-confessional character. Many traits characterize Islam in the Beti country. First of all, it essentially remains a urban religion, still dominated by its exogenous component. Then, it is illustrated by its peaceful, tolerant, collaborationist and republican characters. Finally, it is increasingly asserting itself through its commitment to development. For greater influence, the Muslim community must considerably increase the socioeducational infrastructures, develop strategies enabling it to be financially independent fromthe outside, but also overcome the ethno-ideological divisions which prevent the establishment of umbrella organisation, able to represent the whole of this religious group.