Category Archives: Africa

Togo participation in the Luanda Biennale, or Pan-African Forum on Culture, to take place in the Angolan capital from November 22 to 24

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An article from Republic of Togo

The Luanda Biennale, or Pan-African Forum on Culture, will take place in the Angolan capital from November 22 to 24.

Three young Togolese were invited, Komlan Nestor Kotchadjo, Samson Ayi Kouevi and Lidaw-wè Fabienne Dontema.


Samson Ayi Kouevi © republicoftogo.com

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(click here for the original French version of this article.)

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The Luanda Biennale: What is its contribution to a culture of peace in Africa?

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This meeting is a joint initiative of UNESCO, the African Union (AU) and the Angolan government which aims to promote the prevention of violence and the resolution of conflicts, by encouraging cultural exchanges in Africa and dialogue between generations .

As a space for reflection and dissemination of artistic works, ideas and good practices linked to the culture of peace, it brings together representatives of governments, civil society, the artistic and scientific community and International organisations.

The Forum is participating in the implementation of the “Action Plan for a Culture of Peace in Africa/Agissons pour la Paix” adopted in March 2013 in Luanda.

Samson Ayi Kouevi, the Togo national coordinator of the Pan-African youth network for the culture of peace, is pleased to be on the list of participants.

‘Peace and living together are our priorities. We believe in human dignity, social justice, international cooperation and the harmonious coexistence of peoples. These values are necessary if we want to build a better future,’ he said on Tuesday.

For the Luanda Biennale, it is a question of working towards daily and lasting individual and collective appropriation and implementation, on the continent, of the concept of culture of peace.

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How to promote the culture of peace in the DRC?

… EDUCATION FOR PEACE …

An article from Radio Okapi

The Democratic Republic of Congo is still facing numerous challenges, particularly the risks of security instability and conflicts, during this electoral period. For experts, it is essential to promote the culture of peace and non-violence in the minds of men and women. It is in this context that Gospel artists decided to come together to promote peace through songs during the Festival called “100 voices for peace, Gospel Mass Choir for Peace” scheduled for next October in Goma (North-Kivu).

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What place does music have in the peace movement?

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Nearly 20,000 festival-goers are expected at this great celebration of peace. How are the preparations for this event going? How to promote the culture of peace through the Gospel?

Jody Nkashama talks about it with Ludovic Kalengay, coordinator of the Multisectoral Popularization and Awareness Program (PMVS), Marlon Mateta, Deputy Manager of the Festival “100 voices for peace » and with Mrs. Annifa Vahavi, President of Divine Gracia and member of the organizing team of the 100 Voices for Peace Festival

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Towards an African renaissance through culture and history

. EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An article from La Depeche d’Abidjan

Through oral tradition and knowledge of history, African culture can convey peace and creativity on the continent, beyond, and throughout the world.

In West African folklore, Anansi was a charming prankster with the appearance of a spider. He realized that human beings were sad, because they had no reason to hope or envisage a bright future. He then remembered that Nyame, the sky god, had magical things called stories. These stories could make humans happy, Anansi thought.

He visited Nyame and asked to buy his stories. However, the sky god told him that they were not for sale. “I won’t sell them for anything in the world, except for Onini the murderous python, Osebo the elusive leopard, Mmoatia the mischievous fairy and Mmoboro, the swarm of deadly hornets,” says Nyame. This mission was a feat, but not for Anansi, who managed to capture these four out-of-reach targets using his genius. When he delivered them to Nyame, the latter was not satisfied. However, having made a deal with Anansi, he had to honor his promise.

“Bring these stories back to earth and give them to humans,” Nyame said. They will be eternally grateful to you. Besides, they will name all the great tales “spider stories” in your honor. »

Thus, Anansi the joker became the god who knew all stories. The myth of Anansi illustrates the need for every society to create and share stories.

Netflix and UNESCO have joined forces to launch an innovative short film competition on the theme “African folk tales revisited” throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The winners of the competition will be trained and monitored by professionals in the field and will receive a production budget of $75,000 to produce short films which will be broadcast for the first time on Netflix in 2022, in the form of an Anthology of African folk tales. One of the main objectives of this competition is to discover new voices and give international visibility to young directors from sub-Saharan Africa.

From spider tales to African history

Stories such as those shared by Anansi have been at the heart of human life for thousands of years, a kind of cognitive game that stimulates the human mind, allowing us to understand natural and social phenomena, and to imagine different strategies for living in a complex world. It could be assumed that the more we collect and share these stories, the more we will be able to understand ourselves, others, the world around us, respective and common values and traditions. UNESCO’s work over the past decades to document, collect and write down these stories from around the world is not only a much-needed effort to protect and preserve precious heritage, but also an effort to develop knowledge of the world as well as our collective capacity to understand ourselves.

Spider tales are widespread in West Africa,. The Ghanaian tales of Anansi are among the best known, in the Akan language the name Anansi comes from the word “spider”.

Today, Anansi symbolizes the wisdom, creativity and complexity of the entire African continent. Oral traditions — messages, songs, fables and proverbs — are passed from one generation to the next without writing, allowing people to make sense of the world around them and teaching them essential aspects of their culture.

Like the tales of Anansi, told since the dawn of time, the history of the African continent has been passed down orally from generation to generation. Although historical writings have existed in West Africa for many centuries, the majority of people on the continent were unable to read them. Oral tradition allowed Africans to share their common history, whether they came from the north or the south of the continent, however Europeans considered that the latter had no history, because they were incapable of reading and understanding it. to understand. Thus, the history of Africa that was shared with the rest of the world began with the story of colonialism and that of Europeans in Africa.

Decolonizing African history

In the early 1960s, as Africa entered a phase of rapid decolonization, intellectuals and leaders of newly independent countries worked to liberate their history as well as that of their nation. In order to put an end to the general ignorance of African history, UNESCO launched the “General History of Africa” in 1964. The Organization invited African intellectuals to write, for the very first time, the history of their continent using sources often ignored by Western historians, such as folklore, traditions and culture, to provide an African perspective, free of the racial biases emanating from the slave trade and European intervention.

This ambitious project, intended to renew scientific approaches to the history of Africa, had immense repercussions on world history, and offered a new global perspective on the history of all continents. It placed Africa at the heart of the history of humanity. For the first time, we attempted to go beyond the borders of national stories in order to construct a true “general history”, highlighting the common points between peoples and cultures, revealing trends and exchanges over the centuries beyond borders. national, and highlighting identities like never before.

The African continent has the longest history in the world: it is the cradle of humanity. In the 19th century, Charles Darwin was the first to suggest that the common ancestor of human beings was most likely African, an idea that alarmed many at the time. “The fact that we could have evolved in Africa was anathema to many, who were unable to believe that the pure white, blue-eyed, flaxen-haired northern populations could have originated on the ‘dark continent’. ”. However, all the major events linked to our history date back to Africa,” explains the Kenyan paleontologist, Richard Leakey, one of the first contributors to the General History of Africa project. “We are an African animal, an African species that has colonized and recolonized the world at different times and in different ways. Today, no human being can say that Africa is not their motherland.”

The General History of Africa

The General History of Africa (HGA) is a pioneering, unprecedented project, aiming to cover the history of the entire African continent, from the beginning of humanity to the contemporary challenges faced by Africans and their diasporas around the world. A story which brings to light the pre-colonial period and intertwines the destiny of Africa with that of humanity by highlighting its link with other continents and the contribution of African cultures to the general progress of humanity. In recent years, UNESCO has begun the preparation and editing of three new volumes of the HGA (volumes IX to XI).

Starting from the example of Africa, UNESCO has led other vast historical projects on a regional scale, such as the General History of Latin America and the Caribbean, the History of Civilizations of Central Asia, the different aspects of Islamic culture as well as the History of humanity. These volumes and their thousands of pages, written well before the birth of online platforms such as Wikipedia, represent one of the most ambitious scientific endeavors aimed at building a common understanding of the human history we share. The General History of Africa has since changed the global perspective on how history is written and constitutes a historiographical shift in scale that modern “world history” and contemporary “connected histories” continue to explore .

The General History of Africa in video

The General History of Africa (HGA) launched by UNESCO in 1964 has entered a new phase with a nine-part documentary series, produced by BBC journalist and producer Zeinab Badawi. The latter traveled to the four corners of Africa, interviewing historians, archaeologists and African citizens whose testimonies and stories paint a vivid picture of their continent’s past and its influence on their lives today.

Teaching the General History of Africa

In March 2009, UNESCO launched “Pedagogical Use of the General History of Africa” to respond to requests made by African countries concerning the adaptation of the content of the volumes of the General History of Africa. Africa to school education. To do this, UNESCO has developed educational content to teach to children in African primary and secondary schools in order to improve the knowledge of African pupils and students on the way in which African societies have evolved through time and space. and on the impact of these changes on the present and the future.

Celebrating a common culture: from north to south, from west to east

There is an expression common to many Southern African languages: “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, which literally means “a person is a person through other people”.

In African culture, the “self” is not separate from the world, on the contrary, it is one with the natural and social environment. Although there are different ethnicities and nationalities — each with their own language, gastronomy and artistic expressions — all Africans share a common culture. This African wisdom echoes John Donne’s famous quote “no man is an island”, which reminds us that human beings do poorly when they are isolated from others and need to be part of a community to thrive.

The end of colonization at the beginning of the 1960s was no guarantee of lasting peace on the continent.

On the contrary, violent political events, rooted in ethnic conflicts, have hit sub-Saharan Africa since independence, causing millions of deaths and slowing economic development.

To ensure peace on the continent, regional communities understood that they needed to strengthen their ties and interact with each other, celebrating their common culture.

Let us draw together from our values, our traditions, our culture in order to find the path to prosperity and peace. Denis Mukwege, Congolese gynecologist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018

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Can popular art help us in the quest for truth and justice?

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Building peace in Africa

Every two years, Luanda, the Angolan capital, transforms into a global center for peace in Africa, as the city hosts the “Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace”, also known as the Luanda Biennale. More than 60 countries are represented, attracting representatives of governments, international organizations, NGOs and artists. They share ideas, enter into new partnerships and take part in cultural events, with one common goal: to strengthen the culture of peace on the continent.

The Biennale is the result of the joint efforts of the Angolan government, the African Union and UNESCO. It is organized to overcome the various obstacles to growth and prosperity in Africa.

It also constitutes a platform of choice for taking stock of and encouraging some of UNESCO’s most important initiatives in favor of education, science, press freedom and equality. genres across the continent. According to data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), at least half of young people aged 15 to 17 in sub-Saharan Africa were out of school before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the situation is not only got worse. This is the highest proportion of any region in the world. More than half of those who should now be honing the skills they need for the job market or to access higher education are not even in school. As an example of concrete action, the UNESCO Global Education Coalition provided free internet access to Senegal and other African countries to facilitate immediate distance learning for a half-million learners, with the goal being to enroll an additional 3.5 million in the program.

The Luanda Biennale Partners Forum focuses on how to build innovative partnerships for inclusive democracy and peace across African countries. It brings together international organizations, the private financial sector, foundations and media as well as civil society, artists and cultural entrepreneurs.

This forum of ideas provides a platform for dialogue on the future of Africa, and focuses on solutions to prevent and resolve conflicts using culture, education and the free press. It addresses the protection of displaced people and migrants, the contribution of the African diaspora and the concerted management of the continent’s natural resources.

The women’s forum focuses on ways to end all forms of violence against women and the role of women’s networks in achieving peace in Africa. “I think it is important for us as a continent to come together and have a discussion about the paths we want to take and how we are going to get there,” said Xoliswa Phenya, Deputy Director of the development of crafts with the South African Department of Arts and Culture. Our leaders spoke of the African renaissance. Perhaps it is time for younger generations to step in to make this dream a reality. »

When African history helps us understand today’s societies

The Anansi spider has become the symbol of African finesse and wisdom in expression and its stories have survived through oral tradition. They have also traveled all over the world. This same oral tradition spread Anansi tales to the rest of the world, particularly to the Caribbean, through populations enslaved during the colonization of Africa.

For enslaved Africans and their descendants, Anansi became a symbol of resilience and survival. Tales recounting the spider’s ingenuity and trickery helped slaves survive the ordeal of captivity, perpetuate the link with their African past and assert their identity.

Today, nearly 200 million people across the American continent consider themselves of African origin. Several million more live in other parts of the world, outside the African continent. Understanding these historical and cultural connections is a prerequisite for meeting the contemporary challenges of social cohesion and the many forms of cultural belonging in modern multicultural societies. It is also an opportunity for all countries whose populations are made up of millions of citizens of African descent to encourage international dialogue and build links with other societies around the world. Citizens of African origin often represent some of the most disadvantaged and marginalized groups, with limited access to quality education, health services, housing and social security. Understanding the past is perhaps one of the conditions for breaking the vicious circle and the legacy of racism, discrimination and exclusion.

During the transatlantic slave trade, some four million slaves were brought to American shores in Salvador de Bahia, in what is now Brazil, to work on sugar plantations. Some slaves managed to escape and settle on free land. Among them, the ancestors of Sandra de Santos, who created the agricultural community, Quilombo do Dandá, 250 years ago. Yet Sandra had to fight to preserve the land her family had lived on for generations.

“Tractors came to destroy our crops. There were conflicts. Overnight all our plantations were destroyed,” she says. After months of legal battle, she was allowed to stay on her land.

To help descendants of African slaves and people of African descent, UNESCO supported the International Decade for People of African Descent. Launched in January 2015, it will continue until December 2024. This decade aims to celebrate the importance and contributions of populations of African origin around the world, to advance policies of inclusion and social justice , to eradicate racism and intolerance, promote human rights and create more prosperous communities in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

African culture and art around the world

Aged 19 and originally from the Dominican Republic, Eveline Murmann is one of the young Afro-descendant activists who fight every day for recognition of their roots and an end to discrimination, trivialized in daily exchanges: “straight hair is more formal” and “pale skin is prettier”. Others use artistic expressions such as songs, rap, poetry and dance to tell their stories, as their ancestors did with the tales of Anansi.

“This is the starting point for ending the structure of racism that permeates our society. Being Afro-descendant implies accepting our origins, loving our culture and taking part in our history,” she says. It means being proud of this beautiful skin and this hair so full of freedom. It is recognizing our value and highlighting our contribution to the development of societies.

See us ! Hear us ! Count us in! » [Regardez-nous ! Entendez-nous ! Incluez-nous !]:

Voices from the Decade for People of African Descent

Video celebration of the first part of the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent (2014-2025): musical performances, mini-documentary produced in Latin America, conversations with experts and inspiring voices of young people of African descent African people from all over the world sharing their testimonies, their hopes and their dreams through dance, poetry, singing, rap, slam and other creative expressions.

Indeed, the voices of the African diaspora and its young representatives have become loud enough to be heard around the world. Like that of Mohamed Mbougar Sarr, a 31-year-old Senegalese author, who has won numerous literary prizes in recent years for works on contemporary themes such as racism, discrimination and Africa’s relations with Europe. Thanks to his latest novel, The Most Secret Memory of Men, he became the first author from sub-Saharan Africa to receive the most prestigious French literary prize, the Prix Goncourt, and one of the most young winners of all time.

Just like African history, African literature has never stopped living. The growing recognition of its authors is an important first step towards redefining Africa’s relationship with the world. UNESCO forms of recognition such as International Jazz Day or the inscription of the Congolese rumba as an element of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity are part of the numerous initiatives recently taken to highlight and raise awareness of the importance of artists and creators of African origin. By combining the musical tradition of their ancestors with arrangements and improvisations, artists of African descent created new musical codes, which led to the birth of blues and jazz on the banks of the Mississippi Delta in New Orleans. Congolese rumba singers and dancers have also been at the forefront of all struggles and aspirations for Congolese independence.

Focusing on Africa means improving our world. Recognizing and sharing the many ramifications of African history helps us understand today’s societies and live together. This is the driving force behind UNESCO’s commitment to Priority Africa, and the reason to believe that African culture is an accelerator of mutual understanding, creativity and innovation, allowing us to harness the field of possibilities. This is how UNESCO delivers on Anansi’s promise and writes the next chapter in the spider’s story.

UNESCO and its development partners are closely monitoring 54 African countries, using a stronger and more focused strategy. The African renaissance is underway: the adoption of Agenda 2063 of the African Union and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development prepare the ground for action by the African Economic Community.

The African heritage

UNESCO firmly believes that sustainable peace and development are intrinsically linked to the capacities and skills of individuals as well as their dignity and rights. It is about taking advantage of this momentum by strengthening the assets of Africa, whose heritage represents a prodigious source of creativity. The richness of the continent’s heritage encourages us to safeguard it for future generations. Although Africa is under-represented on the World Heritage List with only 12% of the sites registered throughout the world, almost half of these sites are on the list of world heritage in danger.

Agenda 2063: the Africa we want

Agenda 2063 is the blueprint and blueprint for Africa aimed at transforming Africa into the global power of the future. It is the strategic framework of the continent which aims to achieve its objective of inclusive and sustainable development. It is a concrete manifestation of the Pan-African desire for union, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity pursued within the framework of Pan-Africanism and African renaissance.

The African Cinematic Heritage Project (AFHP)

AFHP is a long-term project carried out in partnership with the Film Foundation, chaired by Martin Scorsese, and the Pan-African Federation of Cinematographers (FEPACI) to contribute to the localization, restoration and preservation of films made on the African continent. It will identify 50 films of historical, artistic and cultural significance and will subsequently undertake the restoration process. UNESCO plans to include these films in the “Memory of the World” register.

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Africa: International Day of Peace

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A survey by CPNN

The following 59 actions in 26 African countries include those listed in Google during the weeks of September 16-28 this year under the key words “International day of peace” and “Journée internationale de la paix.” The events also include some listed on the facebook page for the International Cities of Peace and the website of Campaign Nonviolence.

About 52 events are listed on the maps of One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace, but with the exception of 14 listed below, there is no indication which took place this year and which took place only in previous years.

For events in North Africa see the page of actions in the Arab States .


Planting trees in Kenya

Here are excerpts from the articles.

AFRICAN UNION:
Statement from the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye: On the occasion of International Day of Peace, I join our Leaders in wishing all the world of peaceful coexistence in which differences are resolved through dialogue without resorting to violence; a world in which the strength of our differences is harnessed as a rich tapestry of resources; a world of sustainable resource management that inclusively serves the needs of the present generation and ensures a legacy for future generations; and for our African continent, a world of good governance that enables us to use our rich endowments for the benefit of our people. . . .

ANGOLA: The Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace, also known as the Biennial, returns to Luanda for the third time. The state of preparation for this edition, which aims to educate for a culture of peace, was presented today in Luanda, at a time when the international day of peace is celebrated. The third edition will highlight youth as promoters of peace. Young people will have the opportunity to speak directly with the Heads of State and government. Women’s participation will also be analyzed.

BURKINA FASO: This is a message from the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, responsible for relations with institutions, Keeper of the Seals, on the occasion of the joint commemoration of the International Days of Peace and Tolerance (JIPT) 2023 edition. . . . I am taking the opportunity of these days which is offered to me to launch a vibrant appeal to all Burkinabè, whatever their age, their profession, their religion, their rite and their political affiliation to become aware of the situation we are experiencing, taking a step back from the events we are experiencing, experiencing a moment of awakening together and realizing that our only salvation is peace. . . As is the spirit of these days, in Burkina Faso, the joint commemoration of the International Days of Peace and Tolerance will be marked by a series of activities for the benefit of populations in general and young people and women in particular in the Central-East region. These will include conferences in schools, exchange meetings with local communities, slam and poetry competitions, awareness sessions followed by a women’s cycling race, radio broadcasts, parenting days joke and the official commemoration ceremony followed by a panel.

BURUNDI EU TEAM: The European Union team in Burundi celebrated the International Day of Peace on Thursday September 21, 2023 in Bujumbura. These ceremonies saw the participation of different executives from Burundi from different ministries. In her speech for the occasion, Elisabetta Pietrobon, delegate of the European Union to Burundi, said that the latter and its member states are sparing no effort in the fight for peace.

BURUNDI PROJECT INSIDE-OUT: On the occasion of the International Day of Peace this September 21, Mr. Jérémie BLIN, Ambassador of France to Burundi, and Ms. Elisabetta PIETROBON, new ambassador of the European Union (EU) inaugurated the exhibition “United for peace “. Created by French photographer Jean René (JR) as part of the “Inside Out Project”, this work is made of portraits, affixed to the facades of the Old East building in Bujumbura. As the French Ambassador indicated: “These 289 portraits bring together refugees, returnees and people involved in welcoming these communities in the different neighborhoods of Bujumbura. Choosing to treat this subject through the prism of art demonstrates our desire to highlight our common desire to live in a peaceful world. This work makes it possible to democratize culture and make it accessible to all. »

CAMEROON, GAROUA: The Alliance Francaise of Garuoua proposes to children to celebrate the International Day of Peace in workshops to design a dove of peace and to construct a wall of peace

CAMEROON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION: The Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CHRC) appeals to separatist fighters in Ambazonia to lay down their weapons for 24 hours to commemorate the International Day of Peace, celebrated every September 21. On its official Facebook page, the CHRC asked the combatants to “respect twenty-four hours of non-violence and to refrain from any exaction” and to “make a significant gesture in favor of lasting peace, a vector of development”

CAMEROON, YAOUNDE: Festival International Ecran Slam, Friday Sept 15, a hybrid event online and live to promote peace on the International Day of Peace.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: The Minister of Humanitarian Action and National Reconciliation, Virginie Baikoua, and the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Mohamed Ag Ayoya, chaired the celebration of the International Day of Peace in Bouboui, 45 km from Bangui. It was an opportunity to discuss the benefits of peace resulting from the signing of good neighborly agreements and the consolidation of intercommunity cohesion, initiated with the support of local Peace and Reconciliation Committees as well as MINUSCA. . . . To close the ceremony, the participants and officials present were invited to plant trees to symbolize the peaceful resolution of conflicts (palaver tree) and sustainable development.

CHAD, MOUNDOU: It is through the theme “Action in favor of peace: our ambitions for the global goals”, that the Ministry of National Reconciliation and Social Cohesion and the United Nations system in Chad, celebrated the 2023 edition of the international day of peace. In his speech, the acting United Nations resident coordinator in Chad, Ouattara Yafflo , emphasizes that the path to peace requires patience, vigilance and Chad needs peace and this is the wish of the Chadian people. . . . For the Minister of National Reconciliation and Social Cohesion Abdramane Koulamallah , Chad engaged in the process of returning to constitutional order needs the effort of its children in favor of peace. The minister calls on administrative and political authorities, civil society and associations to increase collective peace actions in favor of Chadians.

CHAD, SALAMA PEACE INITIATIVE: The president of the Salama peace initiative association, Josiane Djikoloum Darwatoye launched, this Saturday, September 16, 2023, through a press briefing, the first edition of World Peace Week in Chad. As part of its activities, explains Josiane Djikoloum Darwatoye, Salama Peace Initiative is organizing World Peace Week for the first time in Chad, from September 16 to 23, 2023 under the theme “Actions for peace: our ambition for the objectives of sustainable development with a view to contributing to national, regional and international efforts aimed at strengthening lasting peace in Chad”. The general objective of this first edition of World Peace Week is to strengthen the commitment of young people and their role as leaders in the promotion of lasting peace, dialogue and social cohesion in their communities and in the world.

COMORES: The International Day of Peace was also celebrated in Moroni yesterday, September 21. On this occasion, a peaceful march was organized in the capital to warn of the dangers of conflicts and violence of all forms. Organizations such as Youth and Women Leaders for Peace, the non-governmental organization CAP and Respir-Comoros celebrated World Peace Day yesterday morning. . . . Akim Saïd Mchangama, coordinator of the NGO CAP, showed that the fight against violence against women and children is a fight that our organizations are committed to leading.

COTE D’IVOIRE: Côte d’Ivoire commemorated Thursday, September 21, 2023, in Abidjan the celebration of the International Day of Peace (IPD 2023), around the theme: “Youth, peace and sustainable development”. . . . The Minister of the Interior and Security, Vagondo Diomandé, who represented Prime Minister Patrick Achi at this ceremony, indicated that peace is a noble aspiration, in addition to being the guarantor of the march of States towards development. He noted that peace is not a given and that we must continue to build and consolidate it, through reconciliation and the strengthening of national cohesion.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, KINSHASA YOUTH: Like every year, the world celebrated the International Day of Peace on September 21. This day is particularly dedicated to a ceasefire in conflict zones. On this occasion, former scholarship holders from YALI/RDC, an active network of young African leaders, organized, in Kinshasa, for young people working in digital technology, an online seminar on the impact of speeches of hatred on national cohesion in the DRC.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, KINSHASA FORUM: Every year, the International Day of Peace is celebrated around the world on September 21. On this occasion, the National Forum of Positive Youth in the Democratic Republic of Congo, organized on September 21, 2023, the African Youth Dialogue for Peace #2023, in the third level master building of the Kinshasa Higher Institute of Commerce ( ISC-Kin), under the main theme “Youth, lasting peace and peaceful elections in Africa-DRC”.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, NORTH KIVU: The ASBL Young Patriots Consolidators of Peace (JPCP), which expressed itself in a declaration made public this Thursday, September 21, invites the various actors of peace, including the population and the authorities to live together . Its coordinator, Benjamin Asimoni, remains convinced that the peaceful resolution of conflicts is one of the avenues for the return of peace to Beni. Still on the sidelines of this day, Samuel-Don Katembo Sekanabo, president of the Youth Parliament in the town of Beni, who spoke, remains confident that unity and good collaboration between different peace actors will facilitate the return of peace. peace, which until then remains a utopia in the Beni region. . . . In Lubero territory, the active participation of women in the search for peace in the east of the DRC is very important. Message from Madame Mbambu Nzavake Mwamini, woman leader in Lubero territory on the occasion of World Peace Day this Thursday, September 21, 2023. For her, it is absurd to talk about the search for peace without involving the woman who is the first victim of insecurity.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, SOUTH KIVU: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) officially launched the Young Peace Ambassadors program in South Kivu this Thursday, September 21 to mark the celebration of the International Day of Peace. This program consists of making around 400 young people ambassadors of local peace committees installed in all the communes, neighborhoods and avenues of the city of Bukavu and the territories of South Kivu.

GABON: The whole world celebrated the International Day of Peace. Gabon was not left out of this celebration. The women leaders of this country came together to show their attachment to the values ​​of peace, sharing and above all Love. The event took place in the Lumière Chrétienne Church, in Libreville, on September 21, 2023. It was organized by CSOs: Women of FIRE; Gabon Group R. 1325; Cry of Women; Women’s Democracy Challenge. . . . In her presentation, the Peace Mediator, Caleopie Elloue, continued to recall the importance of peace and its necessity in a country like Gabon. While saluting the genius of the army which, without bloodshed, liberated the Gabonese as a whole, this women’s rights lawyer defined peace as “a relationship of well-being, of living well, of living together , living together based on respect for others, living in harmony, promoting peace. Promoting peace is being human.”

GUINEA BISSAU: Under the theme “Peace Begins with Me”, the Peace Observatory project – Nô Cudji Paz, in partnership with the National Popular Assembly and the Coordination of the United Nations System in Guinea-Bissau, celebrates the International Day of Peace – September 21st , with a special session alluding to the anniversary. This initiative aims to contribute to social cohesion and consolidation of peace, through debate and reflection on the role, by all national actors, in preventing radicalism and violent extremism in Guinea-Bissau. It is also intended to call on Guineans to the importance of recognizing the individual and collective responsibility of the Guinean people in promoting the values of national cohesion and peace. The event will bring together the worthy deputies, representatives of sovereign bodies, members of the Government, Defense and Security Forces, Diplomatic Corps, Traditional and Religious Leaders and civil society organizations.

KENYA: In a remarkable display of commitment to environmental sustainability and the celebration of peace, the Global Peace Foundation Kenya, in collaboration with the Chandaria Foundation, the Standard Group, and the Nairobi Primary, spearheaded a tree planting campaign to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Peace. Under the theme “Action for Peace; Ambitions for Global Goals,” the 2023 celebrations witnessed the planting of over 2000 trees at Alliance High School and Alliance Girls High School. The event also marked the official launch of Chandaria Tree Nurseries, each with a capacity of 100,000 seedlings, at both institutions. Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Ms. Beverly Moss, Secretary of Peace Building and Conflict Management in the Office of the President, commended the Global Peace Foundation and the Chandaria Foundation for their invaluable support in government-led efforts to mitigate climate change through tree planting. The creation of the tree nurseries aligns with the Million Tree Growing campaign, a joint effort between the Global Peace Foundation Kenya and the Chandaria Foundation. As part of this campaign, nine tree nurseries have been established in primary schools, secondary schools, and universities. With the aim of growing 15 billion trees by 2032, as called for by President William Ruto, this campaign serves to enhance Kenya’s forest cover and contribute to environmental sustainability

LAKE CHAD: Hello and welcome to your weekly radio show Kura Bari. We will exchange peace this week. Indeed, every year around the world we celebrate the International Day of Peace on September 21. . . . The culture of peace is a culture of dialogue and prevention and, in this context, the role of the United Nations has never been so crucial. . . . But what does this day mean for the countries of the lake basin which have jointly faced insecurity for more than a decade? In any case, this is the question that will be the subject of discussions today. We are talking about it with Nodjigoto CHARBONNEL, President of the youth association for peace and non-violence and Désiré Oubadjimdehba, Independent Consultant, program manager and coordinator of activities of the YOUTHCONNEKT-CHAD program.

MALAWI: Center for Enlightenment and Development. Action for Campaign Nonviolence. September 30, 2023 – October 04, 2023. We will hold workshops to empower female youth in decision-making in their lives and teach them ways to counter harassment. . . . These trainings will be geared towards female youth who are currently married. We will teach skills that they can demonstrate at family and community levels. The issues of property grabbing, date-rape, and various relationship dynamics will be addressed.

Question for this article

What has happened this year (2023) for the International Day of Peace?



Comores

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MALI NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK: “Meeting the challenges of an inclusive and lasting peace” is the theme of the 2nd edition of the National Week of Reconciliation (Senare) launched last Friday by the Minister of Reconciliation, Peace and National Cohesion, in charge of the Agreement for Peace and National Reconciliation, Colonel-Major, Ismaël Wagué. It was during a press briefing held on the premises of his department. . . . The Senare began on Friday with the reading of the Koran at the Great Mosque of Bamako, followed by the purchase of oxen for the benefit of the needy. A conference on security was hosted last Saturday at the Alioune Blondin Bèye peacekeeping school by the authorities of the Ministry of Security and Civil Protection in collaboration with those of the Ministry in charge of Reconciliation. Sports activities at the sports palace followed Sunday’s masses. The rest of the program will be devoted to a women’s day of reflection, a youth conference, the delivery of various donations and a conference of economic operators.

MALI CONFERENCE DEBATE: On the occasion of this International Day of Peace, a conference debate was organized on the theme “Digital technology, disinformation and peace: the role of African youth”. According to the speakers, the aim was to understand and address the challenges posed by the interaction between digital technology, disinformation and peace. Abdoulaye Guindo, Coordinator of Benbere is one of the speakers.

MAURITIUS: Global Peace Chain Mauritius, an organization aiming to promote living together and social inclusion, organized an event this Thursday which highlighted Mauritius as an example of peace in the world. . . . . Precisely, during this ceremony, several personalities were present, including the Vice-President of the Republic, Eddy Boissézon. Click here for video.

NAMIBIA: This past week the Windhoek International School celebrated our Namibian Heritage Week alongside the International Day of Peace (IDP) on 21 September. . . . So on this International Day of Peace and during our Namibian Heritage Week, let’s all do our part – within our families, within our school, within our social/religious groups, and within our countries–to build peace.

NIGER: In Niger, particularly in Agadez, several actors in the social life of the region, inspired by the declaration of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the International Day of Peace, spoke out on the occasion of this day. . . . In his address, His Highness Oumarou Ibrahim Oumarou reiteated the commitment of the Sultanate and all the Ulemas of Air to continue the initiatives for peace. . . . the group of young ambassadors for peace from Agadez in collaboration with the Youth Action Movemet made a donation and a tree planting session. “The message that we wish to leave through these actions is that of promoting the values of peace and solidarity.”

NIGERIA, ABEOKUTA: A group, Aviary Association Worldwide, has called on parents to revive the norms and value system in the training of their children. The group said the incessant cult clashes were due to lack of peaceful orientation from home. This form part of the group’s communiqué, while marking the 2023 International Peace Day held at the NUJ secretariat, Iwe Iroyin, Abeokuta. The vice president of the group, Adebayo Oniyide, noted that once Nigerians internalise the virtue of patience, cultivating peace will be simple. . . . Meanwhile, the Ogun state president of Gateway AVIARY, Abiodun Abiodu, expressed concern over the negative reports on cultism clashes that led to the killing of scores in Sagamu area of the state.

NIGERIA, ABUJA: Rotary International District 9125 and Peace Corps of Nigeria have stressed the need for peaceful co-existence among people of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds in the country. They said this at a peace awareness walk, organised to commemorate the 2023 International Day of Peace on Thursday in Abuja. National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dr Dickson Akoh, called on Nigerians to live in peace with one another and shun social vices that might make the country ungovernable. “In Nigeria today, we have a couple of challenges, leading to needless loss of lives and property, but the fact that we still remain united as a nation deserves celebration. We want to use this day to call on some of the youth who have taken up arms against one other or the state to stop it in the interest of development.”

NIGERIA, ASABA: Delta State Government has said it would continue to strengthen the ideals of peace among the ethnic nationalities in the state by ensuring equity, fairness and justice for all Deltans. Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Edwin Uzor, stated this in Asaba, when be briefed newsmen on the commemoration of the 2023 International Peace Day, Uzor said government was conscious of the fact that only peace and security could engender growth and development in the communities and the state at large, pointing out that the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration was keen on resolving lingering intra and inter communal crisis in the state, including the one between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh.

NIGERIA, IBADAN: As part of its activities to mark the year 2023 World Peace Day, the Rotary Club of Ibadan engaged stakeholders across the geo-political zones of Oyo State on the need to sustain the peaceful coexistence enjoyed among all and sundry in the State. Stakeholders that gathered at the House of Chiefs Parliament Building, Agodi Secretariat Ibadan for the year 2023 World Peace Day organized by Rotary Club of Ibadan include the representative of the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebola Hamzat, the representative of Myyetti Allah Cattle Dealers and Breeders Association Oyo State chapter,, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, a representative from the state Ministry of Judiciary, representative of Amotekun Corps, the religion leader, Transport Unions and workers, among others.

NIGERIA, KADUNA: Government agencies and non- governmental organizations involved in working for Peace and harmony in Kaduna state have commenced celebration of the International Day of Peace with dialogue ahead of the September 21st 2023, UN World Peace Day (WPD). Representatives of the various bodies which cut across different faith based organizations and religious leaders commenced the celebration with opening addresses and interactive session on ways to achieved peace in Kaduna state and Nigeria in general at the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMF), Kaduna. Speaking, Kaduna State Peace Commission representative, Didam Bobby Swam, expanded that activities line up for the September 21st 2023 international day of Peace, includes IDPs education at Maraban rido concert, football March final, symposium, cultural dancer. . . . Stakeholders in attendants includes Action Aid, Kaduna Network for Peace, Doma Peace Devt. IMC- host, CIPP structures, religious leaders. Christian and Muslims among others.

NIGERIA, KANO: Kano state government is planning big for this year’s International Peace Day holding on September 21. The state Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Halilu Dantiye has also reiterated Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s determination towards ensuring peace, order, and security of lives and property of residents in the state. Dantiye made this known when he received members of the Committee for International Peace Day and launch of Peace Magazine headed by the Managing Director of Radio Kano, Comrade Hisham Habib.

REUNION: Festival for Peace from September 22 to 24, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Verger de Mahavel at Ravine des Cabris. Every year, around the world, we celebrate the International Day of Peace on September 21. It is within the framework of this day that Zétinsèl is organizing its first edition in Reunion this year. It will be celebrated in the form of a Festival from September 22 to 24, 2023 at the Verger de Mahavel.

SEYCHELLES UNIVERSITY: The International Day of Peace Committee (Seychelles) has organized two events September 21 under the United Nations’ chosen theme: ‘Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals.”
1) “My Sustainable Tree” Planting Venue: Playing Field, Mont Fleuri
2) Peace Day Ceremony. Venue: Peace Park, Victoria

SEYCHELLES ISIS: The International School Seychelles (ISS) came alive with the spirit of unity and peace as students and staff enthusiastically celebrated International Peace Day. Primary activities: As the sun rose on this special day, primary pupils wrote a peace message on a heart-shaped template and lovingly affixed it to a vibrant peace banner, which adorned the school’s lobby. . . .Year 3 and Year 4 students showcased their musical talents by learning and performing ‘Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream’ by Simon and Garfunkel. . . . The grand culmination of the primary activities was when the entire school gathered in the main play area, each class assembled with a letter drawn to spell out ‘Peace Day’. Secondary activities: The secondary students at ISS engaged in creative activities that reflected their commitment to peace. They crafted beautiful peace doves, symbolising hope and unity. Additionally, they created intricate paper plate wreaths, showcasing their artistic talents while embodying the spirit of harmony.

SIERRA LEONE-ICPC: In commemorations of the World Peace Day, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) in partnership with Talking Drum Studio, UNESCO and Agiamondo has on Thursday 21st September 2023 commemorated the World Peace Day, with the theme: “Action for Peace; Our Ambition for the Global Goals, Ensuring the Right”

SIERRA LEONE – CARITAS: In his message to mark the International Day of Peace, the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown commended Sierra Leoneans for recovering from the ravages of civil war, noting that the West African nation has a room for maneuver to ensure lasting cohesion. In a message sent to ACI Africa on Thursday, September 21, when the entire world observed Peace Day, Father Peter Konteh said the commemoration was particularly important for Sierra Leone, which experienced a 20-year civil war. 11 years which ended in 2002, leaving behind much destruction. He adds: “While progress has been made in healing, justice and reconciliation after the war, challenges remain. It is essential to tackle poverty, inequality and governance issues, to promote a inclusive development and encourage social cohesion to ensure lasting peace.” In his message, the clergyman from the Archdiocese of Freetown highlights the need for continued efforts “to build a future where peace and stability are firmly established, allowing Sierra Leone and its people to prosper.”

SOUTH SUDAN, JUBA: Stirring speeches and cultural performances were aplenty as South Sudan marked International Day of Peace at the Nyakuron Cultural Center in the capital city, Juba, in the presence of communities, government officials, and international partners. Click here for the video.

SOUTH SUDAN-UNMISS: In the bustling capital of South Sudan, a symphony of voices converged, setting the stage for this year’s commemoration of the International Day of Peace. . . . Organized by the Central Equatoria State’s Ministry of Peace Building in collaboration with the Community Outreach and Advocacy Unit of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, the forum was attended by state Minister of Peacebuilding, Francis Gerald, religious leaders, academia, civil society, state government officials, businessmen, students, the media, and senior representatives from the UN Peacekeeping mission. Speaking at the event, Professor Julia Duany, an educator from the University of Juba’s College of Education, called on South Sudanese citizens to embrace a shared national identity. . . Reverend Martin Ocaya, the Coordinator of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Diocese in Juba, added his voice to this chorus of hope, underscoring the pivotal role played by faith-based groups in South Sudan’s journey towards peace, advocating for a method rooted in inclusivity, consultation, and grassroots engagement.

TANZANIA: Zanzibar Peace,Truth & Transparency Association. INTERNATIONAL WORLD PEACE DAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023. Our actions support the values of True Culture of Peace (Positive Peace), possible to achieve the level of trust, and cooperation, Empowerment and Poverty reduction in Zanzibar Community and Tanzania.

TOGO WILPF: Each year, September 21 is celebrated as the International Day of Peace. The Togolese section of WILPF commemorated September 21, this day by declaiming poems in favor of peace. It was in the conference room of the national commission to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Lomé. Several members of this association therefore read various poems in order to call on the world to safeguard this rare commodity that is peace.

TOGO, DAPAONG: The celebration of the International Day of Peace was marked by the animation of socio-cultural events in support of municipal and regional initiatives for social cohesion and peace. It is an awareness caravan and a football match coupled with the presentation of honorary prizes. . . . The participants in this celebration started this demonstration with a caravan in the arteries of the town of Dapaong. On motorcycles and cars, dressed in t-shirts, equipped with banners and accompanied by a brass band, they drew the attention of the populations to the merits of peace, living together and social cohesion without which there is no development. This caravan went to the municipal field of Dapaong, where a gala football match pitted the team – made up of members of the project team and CSOs – and that of the media from the Savanes region.

TOGO-UNIC: The whole world celebrated World Peace Day on September 21, 2023, with the theme: “Action in favor of peace: our ambitions for the Global Goals”. To mark this edition in Togo, the United Nations Information Center (UNIC-Togo) organized a public health activity in collaboration with the neighborhood development committees (CDQ) of the tokoin Tame, Wuiti and Aviation districts in the Gulf 2 commune.

UGANDA: Video September 21.·Kangulumira Kayunga district Uganda feast day, International Cities of Peace.

***** MONTESSORI *****

In addition to the events listed above, there were 14 new events in Africa to celebrate the International Day of Peace on the website of the Montessori Schools, i.e. events that were not listed last year:

Namibia : Walvis Bay
South Africa : Cape Town (2), Eastern Cape, Gonubie, Johannesburg, Northern Cape, Pretoria (2), Radioikop, Senekai, Western Cape (2)
Reunion: Saint-Andre

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Africa Climate Summit Issues Nairobi Declaration

. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article by Abayomi Azikiwe (editor of Pan-African News Wire) published by the Transcend Media Service

Despite statements of intent, western industrialized countries have not yet provided the resources needed for the transition to renewable energy production which benefits the majority of people on the continent

Nairobi, Kenya, the commercial center for the East Africa region, hosted the Africa Climate Summit which attracted thousands of delegates, investors and observers to discuss the worsening plight of the continent as it relates to environmental degradation.


Head of states and delegates pose for a group photo, during the official opening of the Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023.(AP Photo/Khalil Senosi)

The meeting was scheduled from September 4-8 at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) where registered delegates from governments and non-governmental organizations articulated their views on what is needed in the present period to avert an even larger climate disaster for Africa’s 1.3 billion people.

This summit was held under the theme, “Africa Climate Summit 2023: Driving Green Growth & Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World.” The governmental leaders met for three days while the entire week was dedicated to the current situation and potential solutions.

Outside the ACS, there were thousands more representing coalitions, traditional communities and mass groupings, many of which were critical of the gathering and the way in which western governments, multi-national corporations and international financial institutions are seeking to dominate the dialogue on Africa climate issues and economic development. A host of delegates were present from the United States and the European Union (EU) making pledges to assist the AU member-states in halting the impact of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

In the language for the summit overview, it states that:

“The inaugural Africa Climate Summit, championed by HE President [William] Ruto, aims to address the increasing exposure to climate change and its associated costs, both globally and particularly in Africa. With the expectation of escalating climate crises in terms of frequency and intensity, urgent action is required to mitigate these challenges. The Summit will serve as a platform to inform, frame, and influence commitments, pledges, and outcomes, ultimately leading to the development of the Nairobi Declaration.”

However, the previous commitments made by western states and multinational corporations have not yet been honored. The purpose of the ACS 2023 was to reach a consensus among African governments on a program to be taken to the United Nations Climate Summit (COP28) which will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December.

The adoption of the Nairobi Declaration was designed to position the AU member-states in their negotiations within the broader international community. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen how the AU can either convince or force the industrialized capitalist states to provide the necessary reforms that will turn the tide towards green and sustainable energy.

During the ACS it was acknowledged by the AU member-states and some corporations that Africa is one of the least responsible regions for the rise in global warming. Consequently, the continent requires assistance in preventing further extreme weather events, droughts and the subsequent food deficits which are plaguing various regions of East Africa.

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Question for this article:

Can the African Union help bring a culture of peace to Africa?

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An article published  in the French newspaper Le Monde on the ACS noted:

“The declaration called for ‘concrete action’ on reforms that lead to ‘a new financing architecture that is responsive to Africa’s needs’, including debt restructuring and relief.

Ruto said it was time to overhaul global financial systems that ‘perpetually place African nations on the backfoot. We demand a fair playing ground for our countries to access the investment needed to unlock the potential and translate it into opportunities,’ he said. Leaders also pressed the world’s wealthy polluters to honor their pledges, including to provide $100 billion a year for clean energy and to help them brace for climate disasters.”

Defeating Climate Change Requires a Struggle Against the Current World Order

As long as the multinational corporations and banks can earn enormous profits under the existing economic system, the realization of change will require organized pressure from the AU member-states and their constituencies. This ACS gathering was not the first time that these demands have been put forward to the leading imperialist states.

When Republic of South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa paid a state visit to the U.S. nearly one year ago, he emphasized that his country along with others on the continent would need billions of dollars to address the goals set by the annual United Nations Climate Summit. Every year, the U.S., U.K. and the EU are able to veto significant resolutions at the COP meetings which would place definite responsibilities on the imperialist states.

During 2022, when the COP27 Summit was held in Egypt, a host of promises were made by the imperialist states which have yet to be fulfilled. Yet one year later, these same economic and political interests continue to pretend that they will make amends for their industrial and agricultural policies which are the main contributors to the rise in pollutants.

The New York Times wrote a report  on the ACS pointing out that there are serious questions being raised by people in Kenya about the effectiveness of the Nairobi Declaration:

“Outside the halls of the convention center, Kenyans were asking tougher questions about whom the conference and its lofty goals really served. ‘The energy discussion masks our economic crisis,’ said Mordecai Ogada, an author and a leading Kenyan voice on environmental issues. ‘Yes, we get most of our electricity from renewables. But we pay foreign companies to generate that power exorbitantly in foreign currency,’ he said. ‘Manufacturing has become expensive, which drives inflation. As far as the lives of Kenyans are concerned, the source of energy is completely immaterial.’”

In Kenya over recent months, the government of President Ruto has lifted fuel subsidies and raised taxes on essential goods. The hardships caused by these measures sparked demonstrations which were organized by the political opposition in the country. In real terms, the Kenyan national currency has lost one-third of its value over the last two years.

The overall global crisis prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences are largely to blame for the sharp rise in prices. Therefore, to insulate the people of Africa from external shocks, there must be a radical shift in the international division of labor and economic power which has reinforced the dependency inherited from the colonial system.

Africa News quoted a participant  in the demonstrations involving thousands outside the ACS 2023 meeting. This activist called Babawale from the Friends of the Earth Africa said:

“We are here to demand that Africa’s energy system must be de-colonized, it must be brought out from the hands of the culprits, it is time for the African people to stand together and make a demand, that what we need now is systems change, not climate change, what we need now is that Africa’s energy systemic must be de-colonized. It should be put in the hands of people, this is not the time that we should promote carbon markets it is not going to put to an end the different climate crisis that Africa is facing.”

During the demonstrations by civil society and mass organizations surrounding the Kenyatta International Convention Center, people carried banners which read: “Stop the neo-colonial scramble for oil and gas in Africa.” In Kenya alone, the government would need approximately $US62 billion to address the necessity of reducing emissions which contribute to climate change.

AU member-states overall would require an estimated $US290 billion to $US440 billion to achieve the same objectives. These resources will not be given by the imperialist states absent of a protracted campaign for climate justice and a sweeping redistribution of wealth on a global scale.

Africa, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

UN-AUSC Youth Forum: The Role of Young People in the 13Th African Games

.. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION ..

Excerpts from an announcement from the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations

DRAFT CONCEPT NOTE

BACKGROUND

. . . The United Nations acknowledges the value of the youth in peacebuilding through the development of United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 2250 (2015), 2419 (2018), and 2535 (2020) on Youth, Peace, and Security that called upon the United Nations (UN) entities and Member States to improve capacity-building by integrating the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda into their technical assistance plans. Also, the African Youth Charter recognizes that “youth are partners, assets and prerequisite for sustainable peace and prosperity of Africa with a unique contribution to make to the present and future development.”

Through unique engagement, such as sports, the youth have led and sustained peacebuilding and development conversations across societies. Sports have historically played a significant role in disseminating positive values worldwide and across civilizations and cultures, thus making it a powerful vector for developing efforts to promote peace and prevent and counter violent extremism. . . .

PROPOSAL

The Global Sports Programme will organize a Youth Forum on the role of young people in the upcoming 13th Edition of the African Games (Accra, Ghana, set to commence in March 2024) in partnership with the AUSC, which oversees the coordination and organization of the African Games—building on the power of sport to promote increased youth participation in the organization of major sporting events. Other partners are the 13th African Games Local Organising Committee (LOC) which comprises key Ghanaian stakeholders, the Ghana National Peace Council which is responsible for implementing the National PVE Strategy, and the UN Country Team.

OBJECTIVES

Raise awareness of integrating youth in major sporting events, particularly from an African perspective.

Establish a dialogue between youth and decision-makers about the power of sports and major sporting events to prevent violent extremism, showcasing unique youth approaches, including those targeting the vulnerable youth population.

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Questions for this article:

How can sports promote peace?

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● Encourage more investment and support towards youth-led sport-based PVE initiatives and increased youth participation in major sporting events.

● Concrete guidelines on the greater inclusion of young people in PVE-based activities within the context of a major sporting event.

TIME AND PLACE

• 21-22 November 2023 (2 days) in Accra, Ghana

FORMAT

● We count on the participation of approx. 15 African civil society leaders between 18 and 35 years old and involved in major sporting events, decision-making, and/or sport for PVE. ● This Forum will feature ‘safe and brave spaces,’ working groups, presentations, etc.

● The young people will have the opportunity to go into dialogue with the organizers of the upcoming 13th African Games, including the AUSC and the LOC, as well as other PVE-through-sport/sport for peace stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the UN.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

● Raised awareness of the role and significance of sport in PVE. ● Inclusion of strategies for PVE interventions while organizing major sporting events and its integration into NAPs.

● Compiled recommendations on integrating young people in organizing major sporting events and related sport-for-PVE initiatives.

SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS

● Due to limited slots, participants will be subjected to a selection process that will consider the relevance of their application, their experience, the motivation and interest demonstrated, as well as their potential contribution to the discussions. To the extent possible, the selection committee will balance age, gender, and diversity of backgrounds (cultural, educational, professional) among selected participants.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

● Age: 18-35 years of age

● Region: African Union Member States

● Interest in themes: the applicant demonstrates some experience and knowledge (or a great interest in getting involved) in issues related to PVE (through sport), the organization of major sporting events, sport for development and peace, and/or meaningful youth engagement.

● Future impact and follow-up: the applicant expresses a strong commitment to further engage on the topics and has the ability to consult with and reach a wider group of young people, audiences, or networks, including leading initiatives at the grassroots and community levels.

● Experience and potential: experience in the development of policies and guidelines and advocacy in PVE.

Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, United Nations,

Russia-Africa Summit Held Amid Worsening Global Security Situation

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

An article by Abayomi Azikiwe of the Pan-African News Wire as published by Transcend Media Service

Despite the tremendous pressure by the western imperialist governments placed upon the African Union (AU) member-states and the Russian Federation, the second Russia-Africa Summit was held on July 27-28 in St. Petersburg. Many of the African heads-of-state present came from the leading countries across the continent of 1.4 billion people.

(Editor’s note: According to Transcend, “African Union member-states put forward their peace plan for ending the conflict in Ukraine and received a positive response from Moscow.” And according to Al Jazeera, Russian President Putin said that the African proposal could be the basis for peace in the Ukraine.


Frame from the officlal video of the Summit

Heads-of-state such as Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa, Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, Adel-Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt, Felipe Nyusi of Mozambique, Macky Sall of Senegal, Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo-Brazzaville, among others, were present and intensely engaged in the proceedings. The Summit consisted of open plenary sessions along with one-on-one meetings between African leaders and President Vladimir Putin.

Media reports in the United States made much of the fact that 17 heads-of-state attended the Russia-Africa Summit compared to 43 at the previous meeting in 2019. However, there were 49 delegations which attended representing a majority of African governments on official ministerial levels as well as regional organizations such as the African Union (AU), Arab Maghreb Union (AMU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the New Development Bank (NDB), headed by former Brazil President Dilma Rousseff.

The Summit took place during an intensification of the military conflict in eastern and southern Ukraine as the United States and the European Union (EU) has pledged in excess of $100 billion to continue its efforts to maintain the dominant status of the imperialism throughout the globe. U.S. President Joe Biden has focused heavily on the foreign policy imperatives of weakening the Russian Federation through sanctions and the recruitment of Eastern European states into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

In Africa, the impact of the Ukraine war is resulting in high rates of inflation triggered by the shortages in agricultural products. Rising prices and a deteriorating security crisis in several West African states has prompted military interventions in political life and the attempted realignment of domestic and foreign policy away from France and the U.S. towards Russia and China.

This is the first full meeting of the Russia-Africa Summit since the inaugural gathering in 2019. Over the last four years the world underwent a global pandemic whose magnitude has not been experienced for a century. The commencement of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022 grew out of the reemergent Cold War initiated by Washington and Wall Street against Russia and the People’s Republic of China.

Over the last year-and-a-half since the beginning of the special military operation, the administration of President Joe Biden has sought to pressure AU member-states to support its position in Ukraine. U.S. Congressional figures drafted a bill designed to punish African states who maintain cordial political and economic relations with Moscow. The government in the Republic of South Africa led by the African National Congress (ANC) was accused by the U.S. ambassador of supplying arms to the Russian Federation to utilize in the Ukraine theater.

Russia has been subjected to widespread sanctions aimed at bringing about the collapse of its economy. During the Summit in St. Petersburg, Putin announced the cancellation of $23 billion in debt owed by African countries.

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Questions related to this article:
 
Can the peace movement help stop the war in the Ukraine?

(Continued from left column)

Outcomes of the Russia-Africa Summit   

Consequently, the proceeding of the recent gathering provided an opportunity for both Russia and the AU to present their views on a myriad of issues impacting the international situation. Both the host, President Vladimir Putin and the AU delegates emphasized their interests in building closer relations in the cultural, economic and political spheres.

In a report on the Summit published by Tass news agency it says:

“The global importance of the second Russia-Africa Summit, held in St. Petersburg on July 27-28, continued to reverberate over the weekend. On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin held meetings with several counterparts from the continent. As well, St. Petersburg native Putin hosted four African leaders at his hometown’s annual Navy Day parade on July 30 along the Neva River, Vedomosti writes. Putin said at his final press conference on July 29 that, ‘in general, the African continent is friendly and positive towards Russia.’ A 74-point declaration was the principal document to come out of the summit, where the signatories spoke out in particular against ethnic and racial discrimination and announced plans to coordinate a range of joint political activities, including within the United Nations Security Council.”

Russia and its relationship with the African continent have been mutually cooperative since the era of the imperialist conquest when the country under the monarchy provided military assistance to Ethiopia during its war against Italy in the late 19th century. During the period of the Soviet Union, the official foreign policy position of Moscow was to aid the national liberation movements struggling for freedom and independence. The post-colonial years in Africa were marked by solidarity with the newly independent states through the granting of educational opportunities, trading projects along with military training.

A continuing pledge of security assistance was made clear during the Summit. In addition, scholarships for education will be enhanced for African students in Russia.

The Russian government acknowledged the legacy of colonialism, imperialism and neo-colonialism and pledged to stand in solidarity with the African people in their struggle for genuine independence and sovereignty.

Testimony by African leaders were recorded in a Tass news report saying that:

“Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera underscored that Russia’s support helped save democracy in his country. ‘Fearing no geopolitical problems, Russia provides aid to our country, our armed forces and security agencies in their fight against terrorist organizations,’ he said. Mali was able to reinforce its armed forces and ensure its security thanks to Russia’s aid, said Interim President Assimi Goita. ‘Mali has a military partnership with Russia, and we thank it for support and friendship. […] The Malian Armed Forces are currently on the offensive; we have significantly reduced the number of [terrorist] attacks on [our] military bases, we were able to ensure security in many places,’ he noted.”

AU Leaders Emphasize Peace Plan

An underlying theme throughout the concluding phase of the Summit was the quest for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. The withdrawal of Russia from the Black Sea Grain Deal was based on the failure of the imperialist states to lift their sanctions against Moscow.

The actual volume of grain produced and exported by Russia far exceeds that of Ukraine. Putin offered to supply grain to several African states free of charge in an effort to meet the current challenge of burgeoning food insecurity.

Tass summarized the discussions on the African Peace Initiative for Ukraine as follows:

“South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that ‘negotiations and dialogue, as well as commitment to the UN Charter are necessary for a peaceful and fair resolution of conflicts.’

‘The African initiative deserves the greatest attention, and it should not be underestimated,’ President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso said, calling to ‘end the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. This conflict affected the entire world in a negative way, African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat said. ‘Of course, we are concerned over the grain supply issue,’ he said, adding that it is ‘necessary to immediately and promptly resolve the problem of food shipments to countries in need.’”
Putin reiterated to the African delegations that Russia has been willing to hold constructive negotiations with Ukraine. However, Moscow has been met with refusals by Kiev which is operating at the behest of Washington and the NATO states.

Overall, the Summit further revealed the escalating conflict between the proponents of western imperialist domination and those advocating for a multipolar world system. This ideological and material conflict could very well be resolved in a protracted global conflagration which would portend much for the long-term stability and sustainable development of the majority of peoples and nations of the globe.

Africa, DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, Europe,

From Rwanda To Beyond: New Collaborations And Collective Action At Women’s Conclave

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY . .

An article by Ridhima Shukla in Forbes Africa

Attendees at the just-concluded Women Deliver 2023 Conference in Kigali exchanged ideas and experiences through thought-provoking discussions that set the stage for the unveiling of new and transformative policy frameworks supporting women’s rights and issues.

In the heart of Kigali, Rwanda, the BK Arena and Kigali Convention Centre buzzed with excitement as women from all corners of the world gathered for the Women Deliver 2023 Conference (WD2023), from July 17-20, held for the first time in Africa.


The Women Deliver conference witnessed participation from over 6,000 stakeholders and advocates dedicated to advancing gender equality. Photo: UN Women/Emmanuel Rurangwa

Held under the theme, Spaces, Solidarity, and Solutions, the sixth Women Deliver Conference aimed to ignite collective action, empower the feminist movement, and foster a world where gender equality and women’s rights thrive.

A wide range of topics, including abortion access, LGBTIQQ rights, gender-based violence and impact of the climate crisis on women and girls, were discussed, along with focus on fostering youth engagement and elevating the perspectives of young women in the global gender equality movement.

The event saw an impressive turnout with thousands in attendance. Notable speakers included renowned personalities such as activist Malala Yousafzai. Also in attendance were four heads of state including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame – with his wife and first lady Jeannette Kagame – Ethiopia’s President Sahle-Work Zewde, Senegal’s President Macky Sall, and the President of Hungary, Katalin Novák.

One of the most significant announcements came from the collaboration between Women Deliver and Open Society Foundations, a grant-making network founded and chaired by Hungarian-American business behemoth and philanthropist George Soros.

Together, they unveiled a new funding facility to address, among other things, neglected areas of female sexual health and reproductive rights. The room erupted in applause as the audience recognized the potential of this facility in empowering marginalized women and girls who have long been denied access to basic healthcare.

As the conference progressed, it became evident that the commitment to drive change extended beyond the arena’s walls. More than 40 organizations came together to launch a powerful campaign addressing the gender nutrition gap. Their collective call urged governments to take transformative action, shining a spotlight on the stark inequalities that persist globally in women’s and girls’ nutrition.

Another momentous step forward was the unveiling of the RESPECT Women website. Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), UN Women, and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), this policy framework and online platform has been designed to combat and respond to violence against women and girls. The website’s potential to create a safer environment and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment was met with resounding support and recognition.

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Question related to this article:
 
Prospects for progress in women’s equality, what are the short and long term prospects?

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Perhaps the most moving moment at the conference was when UNFPA introduced Kigali Call to Action: United for Women and Girls’ Bodily Autonomy. This powerful call placed bodily autonomy, reproductive rights, and gender equality at the core of the agenda. With a clear focus on women-led organizations and the feminist movement, the call aimed to drive coordinated and collective action towards gender equality by 2030.

The conference’s commitment to empowering future generations was expressed with the launch of the Women Deliver Emerging Leaders Program to provide young people with trust-based funding, knowledge, resources, and leadership opportunities in the pursuit of gender equality and reproductive health advocacy. As the torch was passed on to the next generation, the attendees celebrated the potential of these emerging leaders to create a lasting impact on the global stage.

Throughout the conference, attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions, exchanging ideas and experiences, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for progress. Challenges were acknowledged, and the urgency to address them collectively was clear.

The importance of funding for gender equality advocacies resonated strongly among the attendees. Julia Fan, Senior Manager for Youth Engagement at Women Deliver, emphasized that funding remains a critical aspect in driving forward the agenda for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Alongside the vibrant discussions and inspiring stories of progress, Soraya Hakuziyaremye, the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, too offered valuable insights. She acknowledged the strides Rwanda has made in promoting women to leadership positions, highlighting that this progress did not happen overnight but has been the result of extraordinary leadership that recognized gender equity as a vital indicator of the nation’s progress, almost three decades ago.

While there were successes to celebrate, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Board Chair of Women Deliver, also addressed a pressing concern shared by many attendees.

She remarked: “What concerns most women today here is that progress in gender equality has been slow and uneven, and a major space where all countries have failed is violence against women. It is sad to sit and talk about this here again; I was talking about this 10 years ago.”

While gender issues still persist, efforts to combat them also have a history, starting with the Beijing Declaration in 1995 that opened the door for women’s issues to find mainstream recognition globally, leading to the Platform for Action adopted unanimously by 189 countries. In the words of Mlambo-Ngcuka, “it was a defining moment when women’s rights received the status of human rights”.

The development and acceptance of the Maputo Protocol on Women’s Rights in 2005 has also come a long way. The protocol has one of the highest number of ratifications for an instrument in the African Union (AU) and has objectively established a uniform basis for protecting the rights of women and girls in Africa. Forty nine of the 55 AU member states have signed the Maputo Protocol thus far.

Reflecting on the week’s transformative experience. Rania Dagesh, the Deputy Regional Director for eastern and southern Africa at UNICEF, expressed her sentiments: “The past week at Women Deliver has been phenomenal; there have been moments of reflection, profound exchanges, and valuable learning. I am truly grateful for participating.”

As the final moments of the conference unfolded, the atmosphere was one of hope, determination, and camaraderie.

(Editor’s note: For another perspective on the conference, see UN Women Executive Director visits Rwanda, applauds remarkable progress on gender equality and women’s empowerment.)

Africa, global, WOMEN'S EQUALITY,

PAYNCOP Gabon Trained Youth and Women in Political Leadership in the City of Oyem

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

Special for CPNN by Jerry Bibang

Thanks to the support of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) the Pan-African Youth Network for the Culture of Peace, Gabon section (PAYNCOP Gabon) trained, over the past weekend, around thirty youth and female candidates from the commune of Oyem for political leadership.

The town hall hosted the training workshop which brought together nearly forty participants, from the political parties of the majority and the opposition as well as independent candidates.

Long before the training workshop, an intergenerational dialogue was organized between the local authorities and the participants. This dialogue allowed participants to exchange freely with local authorities in order to strengthen collaboration between the two parties, in an inclusive management approach that gives young people the opportunity to participate in public affairs.

“We cannot all be mayors, municipal or departmental councillors. However, it is possible to participate in the management of public affairs when there is genuine collaboration between the local authorities and the citizens united in associations. This is the meaning of this intergenerational dialogue,” explained Jerry Bibang, the Project Coordinator.

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(Click here for the original French version of this article)

Question related to this article:
 
Youth initiatives for a culture of peace, How can we ensure they get the attention and funding they deserve?

How should elections be organized in a true democracy?

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“The representation of young people and women remains very low in political decision-making bodies, although they are the most numerous activists in the political parties of the majority and the opposition. This is why we want to accompany them during these various elections in order to improve this representativeness,” he added.

For the Secretary General of the prefecture, Cyprien Meboune M’Esso, “the project is in line with the country’s public policies, in particular the National Youth Policy (partnership contract for responsible youth) which recommends associating young people in the management of public affairs. It is also part of the political will of the highest authorities, a will materialized by several measures, in particular “the youth seven-year term” and “the women’s decade”.

The training, provided by the geopolitical expert and international consultant Francis Sima Mba, was intended to be very practical, essentially concerned elements relating to the electoral campaign, including political strategy, development of a political program, political marketing as well as public speaking tips.

“It was very instructive for us. We learned a lot about the actions to take before, during and after the vote. I also learned about managing a campaign team and even how to behave during the campaign,” said Junior Franck Nkou-Nkou, young candidate for the Forum pourla République Gabonaise (FRG) political party.

“The seminar was very fruitful for us because we learned how to run an effective campaign with limited resources,” added Mengue Arlette, young candidate for the Mon Destin en Main (MDM) party.

In addition to training, the project provides logistical support for young and female candidates who meet the defined criteria.

Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Experts explore effective approaches for sustainability in peace, education (Rwanda)

… EDUCATION FOR PEACE …

An article from the Global Campaign for Peace Education

Prominent academics, researchers, educators, policymakers, and civil society representatives convened in a groundbreaking international peace education conference to discuss and reflect on the most effective approaches to address conflicts, promote human well-being, and achieve sustainable peace.

The conference, which was organized by the University of Rwanda, Kent State University, and Aegis Trust run from July 11 to July 13 and significantly contributed to the global understanding of peace education as a transformative process.


(Click on image to enlarge)

Peace education was recognized as a means to impart the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary for behavioral change, enabling individuals to prevent conflict and violence at all levels.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Didas Muganga Kayihura, emphasized that the conference facilitated the exchange of experiences, practices, and strategies to enhance peace and values education. The outcomes of this gathering would assist decision-makers in making more informed actions and decisions.

“No matter how great of a scientist or researcher one may be, without peace or a commitment to peace, everything is lost,” he noted.

The conference also provided invaluable insights into Rwanda’s unique challenges regarding peace education, including its experience with the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the integration of peace education into the curriculum, post-genocide reconciliation efforts, and societal healing approaches.

Kayihura emphasized that peace education is indispensable at all levels, encompassing schools, churches, communities, families, and institutions. It should cater to both illiterate and literate individuals of all ages, from adults to youth and children. The shared experiences and knowledge among researchers at the conference aimed to identify gaps in peace education and pave the way for sustainable peace in societies plagued by war and conflict.

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Question for this article:

Where is peace education taking place?

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Key elements such as tolerance, diversity, freedom, equity, gender, and social cohesion were highlighted as crucial for building peaceful societies and achieving sustainable peace. The Vice Chancellor stressed that peace education is essential in fostering a culture of peace.

He also recognized the pivotal role played by the University of Rwanda’s Centre for Conflict Management (CCM), the Rwanda Peace Academy, and the National Civic Education Program in peace education. These institutions serve as platforms for sharing experiences and knowledge with other countries.

Mandy Munro-Stasiuk, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Kent State University, highlighted the significance of holding the peace education conference in Rwanda. The government’s commitment to integrating peace education into the national curriculum and communities across the country made Rwanda an ideal location for such an event.

The conference was a result of the growing collaboration between Kent State University and the University of Rwanda. Both institutions are drawing on their respective histories to forge a path toward global peace. Kent State’s Board of Trustees approved the formation of a non-profit corporation to be based at the University of Rwanda in Kigali. This corporation will serve as Kent State’s operational hub for recruitment throughout Africa, deepening the relationship between the two universities.

“We are collaborating to enhance educational capacity and learn about effective peace education tools,” Munro-Stasiuk stated.

James Smith, the Founder and Deputy Chair of the Aegis Trust Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of strengthening peace education, particularly in light of ongoing denial of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Smith, also a co-founder of the UK’s National Holocaust Centre and Museum, played a pivotal role in establishing the Kigali Genocide Memorial in collaboration with genocide survivors and the Kigali city council.

“Peace education is not merely about learning about peace; it is about actively making peace,” he emphasized.

Freddy Mutanguha, CEO of the Aegis Trust, a key organizer of the conference, stressed the need to enhance peace education to prevent conflicts that could lead to genocide. By integrating peace education into various curricula, students, teachers, and graduates would possess the capability to teach peace education worldwide, fostering sustainable peace for future generations. Mutanguha emphasized the importance of sharing experiences and lessons from different countries to improve peace education further.

Pacifique Niyonzima, a PhD student and researcher who participated in the conference, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with students and researchers from other countries. Their goal is to inform policy makers about necessary improvements in peace education to achieve sustainable peace.

Niyonzima emphasized the importance of conducting research not only on Rwanda’s history but also in other conflict-affected nations. He highlighted the partnership with students from Kent State University to facilitate these research endeavors.

Africa, EDUCATION FOR PEACE