Category Archives: Africa

Letter from Mali: a plea for peace

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

CPNN has received the following copy of a letter coming from Mali for the UN Secretary-General. It provides details for the report from Human Rights Watch about Mali government and mercenary atrocities committed on innocent civilians. (translation by CPNN)

In publishing this letter, we hope that it will be read by some in the military government of Mali, and that they will follow the example of the military governments in neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger and turn to dialogue instead of military force to deal with the conflicts in their country. The rationale for dialogue is explained clearly by General Djibril Bassole.


The rational for dialogue explained by General Djibril Bassole

Open letter to the Secretary of the United Nations, New York, United States of America`

I will go straight to the facts to save time that seems to be lacking for the leaders of a world that is losing all its bearings.

On the day of January 2, 2025, a Toyota brand pickup going from Niono (Mali) to Mberra (Malian refugee camp in Mauritania) with a dozen civilians on board, the majority of whom were women and children, disappeared on a national road frequented by the Malian army and its Wagner auxiliaries. For a whole night and a day, the parents of the missing searched in vain for news.

The macabre discovery of their charred bodies hastily buried under branches and stones marked the beginning of an unprecedented tragedy since the FAMA and Wagner’s assassins have been spreading terror throughout northern Mali from Abeibara (Kidal region) in the East to the Mauritanian border in the West.

The vehicle was diverted from its route, time taken to identify the travelers and then to execute them summarily after raping the women, one of whom was pregnant for almost 6 months. The bodies were found between the town of Fatissouyou and Dioura in central Mali.

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(Click here for the original article in French.)

Question for this article:

Islamic extremism, how should it be opposed?

The new military governments in Africa: Are they promoting a culture of peace?

(article continued from left column)

This is indeed the signature of the Malian junta’s thugs and their fellow Wagner assassins, unlike the jihadists operating in Mali, who never kidnap children and women, let alone execute them. Mr. SG, it is high time that the institution you lead breaks its deafening silence on the tragedy and daily dramas experienced by the populations (Tuaregs, Moors and Fulani) in these areas including on the Mauritanian border, including Mauritanians since 2022.

The Tuaregs who were assassinated are neither terrorists, nor drug traffickers, nor rebels. The young humanitarian who was assassinated with his son (2.8 months) is the first cousin of the illustrious general leader of the Kel Ansar affiliated with Mali and the greatest defender of the Malian army and the putschist Goita. His wife carrying her second son in her womb is the daughter of a colonel major of the Malian gendarmerie well-known by the Malian military and security establishment.

One of the young people assassinated is the son of an important customs officer, an early companion of the putschists. The 10 people murdered belong to the Kel Ansar group or are affiliated with it. This is of course a targeting not only of the Tuareg but also of the Kel Ansar, a tribe that has always served the Malian state, that has never rebelled and has always refused to succumb to the sirens of fundamentalism. This brand of patriotism has never ceased to worry and to appear suspect in the eyes of the Malian state since its independence.

What is happening in Mali, in particular, in the north and center, amounts to genocide and a crime against humanity. Is human life in Gaza or Ukraine more valuable, more precious than that in Azawad, in Macina and on the Mauritanian border? Is it only people who are victims of Israel or Putin who have the right to speak out and denounce the highest authority of the international community? Can we not speak and comfort the weak not only in Palestine or Ukraine but around the World?

Mali is not a respectable State, it is condemnable. Please have the courage to condemn it and consider bringing it before the international courts that the United Nations have set up.

Mali is a failed and criminal State but it continues to receive support and backing from several Western countries. In the absence of sanctions and the removal of support, the peoples and communities who are suffering the hell of the felonious colonels in power in Bamako, can only consider all this support as complicity.

Stop the madness of a handful of felonious colonels and their relays, before the worst happens in the Sahelian sub-region. Mr. SG, it would soon be a question of threat to international peace and security (Chapter 7 UN statement).

You should forgive me, between shock and tragedy, I do not have the heart for polite expressions, which does not mean that I do not have the greatest regard for you and your title.

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Africa, DISARMAMENT & SECURITY

Democratic Republic of Congo: At least 450 orphaned children initiated into the culture of peace and peaceful living together in Bogoro

. EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An article from Radio Okapi

About 450 orphaned children from four tribal communities in Ituri are being initiated into the culture of peace and peaceful living together, as part of a two-day retreat, organized since Monday, December 30 by the NGO Bacone Of Hope in Bogoro.

According to the coordinator of this NGO, Arali Bagamba, the objective of this activity is to combat tribal hatred which is often at the origin of cycles of violence in this province.

These orphaned children from Lendu, Bindi, Hema and Bira communities came from localities such as Kavelega, Kotoni, Bogoro, Lakpa accompanied by notables and religious leaders from their respective entities.

They learn about living together, the culture of peace and non-violence.

During these two days of retreat, they eat, play and sleep together to strengthen the feeling of brotherhood despite their cultural differences.

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(Click here for the original version in French

Questions related to this article:
 
What is the best way to teach peace to children?

Can a culture of peace be achieved in Africa through local indigenous training and participation?

Can you add to this analysis of the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

(Article continued from left column)

For the coordinator of the NGO Bacone Of Hope, this training will break the tribal hatred transmitted from one generation to another, which is at the origin of the cycles of violence in Ituri.

Other meetings on the culture of peace and peaceful cohabitation involving young people and students from these different communities were organized a few months ago by this same organization.

Read also on radiookapi.net:

Djugu : 7 communautés ethniques s’engagent à mettre fin à leurs différends pour promouvoir la paix

L’Eglise du Christ au Congo appelle la population à s’investir pour la paix en Ituri

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Africa, EDUCATION FOR PEACE

Diffa, Niger: The COSNA/CNSP regional coordination organizes a cultural evening to support youth for peace and social cohesion

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from aNiamey (translation by CPNN)

The Maison des Jeunes et de la Culture (MJC) Madou Manama in Diffa served as the setting, on Wednesday, December 31, 2024, for a cultural evening organized by the Diffa Regional Coordination of the Convergence for National Sovereignty (COSNA/CNSP).

This evening, placed under the theme “Supporting youth to work with defense and security forces in the cultural framework and raising awareness of the role of youth in maintaining peace and social cohesion”, attracted a large crowd of young people, who came to celebrate the commitment of youth in preserving peace and social harmony in the region.


© Other press by DR

The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. Mamoudou Hama, Prefect of the Diffa department, in the presence of the Secretary General of the urban commune of Diffa Mr. Mahamadou Seydou. They welcomed this initiative which aims to strengthen the role of youth in building a united and peaceful society.

(Click here for the original article in French.)

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

The new military governments in Africa: Are they promoting a culture of peace?

(continued from left column)

The Prefect stressed the importance of supporting the defense and security forces in their fight against threats to peace, while emphasizing the need for strong social cohesion between the different communities in the region.

Finally, Prefect Mamoudou Hama stressed the role of youth in maintaining order and stability, while encouraging active engagement in promoting the culture of peace and solidarity.

For his part, the regional coordinator COSNA/CNSP of Diffa, Mr. Ousmane Gra, highlighted in his speech the importance of the commitment of young people in securing the region and their crucial role in raising awareness of peace issues.

It should be noted that the event was marked by performances by local artists, mixing traditional and modern music, illustrating the cultural diversity of Diffa.

Among the highlights of the evening, there was also a parade of traditional outfits from the different communities of the region, which highlighted the colorful costumes and traditions of the Kanouri, Peulhs, Toubou, Boudouma and Arabs. This parade was a true testimony of unity in diversity, highlighting the importance of peaceful coexistence.

This evening was a real success, having brought young people together around a common goal: to strengthen peace and social cohesion in Diffa. It also served as a reminder of the importance of cultural commitment in building a united and supportive society.

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Africa, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Burkina Faso: Living together: Traditional and religious leaders speak to their communities

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

An article by Romuald Dofini in Lefaso.net

The Peulh community of Bobo-Dioulasso organized a day to promote culture, peace and social cohesion in Burkina Faso on Sunday, December 22, 2024 in the city of Sya. The theme of this day was: “For good living together in Faso: Traditional and religious leaders from Western Burkina speak to their communities”. During this day, which brought together several social groups, commitments and resolutions were made by the actors to promote social cohesion by giving priority to dialogue in conflict resolution.


Traditional and religious leaders commit to promoting peace and social cohesion

It was with an open heart that traditional and religious leaders spoke to their communities on Sunday, December 22, 2024 in Bobo-Dioulasso. According to them, it was more than necessary to organize this day in view of the situation that the country has been going through for several years. Indeed, the security situation in Burkina Faso has led to dysfunction at all levels, causing in certain areas a disintegration of all segments of the social fabric.

For traditional and religious leaders, this security crisis has also generated conflicts within the populations and led to mistrust between individuals and between communities. For them, the fight led by the defense and security forces against terrorists is commendable, but they believe that for lasting peace, it would be necessary to “re-sew” the social fabric, in order to improve social cohesion, prevent and manage disputes between communities. For this, the establishment and promotion of spaces for dialogue have proven necessary. It is therefore aware of this erosion of the social fabric caused by the security crisis and the role of customary and religious leaders in social mobilization that the Peulh customary chiefdom of Bobo-Dioulasso initiated this day to promote the culture of peace and social cohesion.

The objective of this day was to promote social cohesion in Burkina and particularly in the Grand-Ouest of Burkina. This activity brought together about sixty traditional and religious leaders from the Grand-Ouest of Burkina, citizen watch organizations, women’s organizations as well as the population of Sya, the majority of whom are Peulhs. According to the Peulh chief of Bobo-Dioulasso, Issiaka Sidibé, this day aims to recreate harmony and symbiosis between communities, to invite populations to talk to each other, to accept each other, to forgive each other and to create the conditions for the return of peace in the region and in Burkina Faso.

“It was a duty for us to organize this day because we really want to help the authorities finish their mission to reconquer the territory. We see that they have done a lot, which is why we want to make our contribution through actions. We want to tell our FDS [Force for Defense and Security] and VDP [Volunteers for Defense of the Homemand] that we are with them in heart because it is thanks to them that we live here. This meeting with the customary and religious leaders of the Grand-Ouest is to help ourselves first,” he explained.

During this activity, the traditional and religious leaders were informed about their roles in social mobilization and conflict resolution within their communities; commitments were also made by actors to promote social cohesion, by favoring dialogue in conflict resolution. From the delegation of women, the message conveyed to the community was the same. All the delegations promoted understanding, forgiveness, peace and social cohesion. Furthermore, a message of awareness, support and collaboration between the FDS and the population was conveyed for greater efficiency in the fight against terrorism.

(article continued in right column)

(Click here for the original article in French.)

Question for this article:

Islamic extremism, how should it be opposed?

The new military governments in Africa: Are they promoting a culture of peace?

(article continued from left column)

The strong mobilization of all actors leaves the Fulani leader of Bobo-Dioulasso with a feeling of joy and satisfaction. According to him, this mobilization demonstrates their commitment to the culture of peace and cohesion in Burkina Faso. “We are happy and satisfied because the message has been received and all the communities have understood it,” he rejoiced.


Battalion Chief Lassané Porgo, Commander of the Second Military Region of Burkina, welcomes the initiative of the activity

The initiative is welcomed by the military and administrative authorities

The day was attended by Battalion Chief Lassané Porgo, Commander of the Second Military Region of Burkina. In his speech, he did not fail to welcome the initiative of the activity. He believes that the population is finishing the work of the defense and security forces because for him, this war is almost over. “Beyond the room which is full, all the communities, all the points of view, came to give a message and that makes us happy. We are committed to serving the population, to serving Burkina Faso; so as long as this population does not have peace, does not have tranquility, it is our duty not to sleep. And we are not going to sleep until it is over,” he insisted.

Before continuing: “If religious and customary leaders speak to their communities and everyone in their family listens to the big brother or the elder, who listens to the chief and who knows his place, we will end this crisis right away and now. The problem is that we no longer respect the elder. We respect money or the one who has money more than the elder in the family and that must change.” This is why he asked everyone to be sincere, honest and upright and above all to love their neighbor. Battalion Chief Lassané Porgo affirmed that if all the messages passed in the room are sincere, Burkina Faso will soon end this security crisis.

This activity was chaired by the governor of the region, represented by the secretary general of the Hauts-Bassins region, Abraham Somdo. On behalf of the governor, he also welcomed the initiative of this day. “This activity is welcome because it is in line with the government’s priorities. Obviously, the priority that is worth it is the reconquest of the national territory, but in addition to reconquering the territory, we must have activities that allow us to sew the social fabric that has been torn apart by war and conflicts,” he said.

He did not fail to pay tribute to the fighters who watch over the well-being of the civilian population. For him, this day will help strengthen collaboration between the FDS and the population. He stressed that “the FDS create the conditions for the return of peace and it is up to the customary and religious leaders to work to consolidate this peace, to strengthen social cohesion through messages that advocate living together.” The governor’s representative invited the daughters and sons of the region to listen to the community leaders. To these community leaders, he asks them to march resolutely to the rhythm set by the country’s authorities because it is, he said, about building a strong nation, a nation where the daughters and sons speak with one voice, look in the same direction.
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Africa, DISARMAMENT & SECURITY

UN-Tourism Candidate is Placing Tourism at the Heart of Peace and Reconciliation

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article from eTurboNews

Mouhamed Faouzou Deme from Senegal has made headlines in Africa, wanting to become Africa’s choice in the upcoming UN Tourism election for Secretary-General.

He is the only one of the four competing candidates for the highest UNWTO post who provided feedback to eTurboNews on the role of tourism for peace. Once Secretary-General Zurab took his helm in 2018, UNWTO’s long-year relationship with the International Institute for Peace of Tourism was eliminated, forcing IIPT chairman Louis D’Amore to cancel his carefully planned summit in Montreal. IIPT never fully recovered from this disappointment after this.

Its former Secretary-General, Dr. Taleb Rifai, fostered this unique relationship between UNWTO and IIPT. Mouhamed pledged to reinstate this, should he become Secretary-General, and responded to WTN. He stated:

Tourism stakeholders, professionals, and political actors have continued to recall the importance of placing tourism at the heart of peace and reconciliation programs to enable the sector to mobilize its capacity for action.

This is often in favor of investment, development, and social inclusion.

Adherence to freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity, dialogue, and understanding promotes peace.

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Questions related to this article:
 
How can tourism promote a culture of peace?

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Tourism is a vector of peace, respect, openness, and dialogue.

Tourism has the value of peace because it is only built and carried out in an environment of security, stability, and conviviality.

The main idea behind the concept of peace in tourism is that peace exists when people travel freely around the world.

It helps travelers to get to know new people, cultures, and values.

This experience can increase mutual understanding between people who have lived in diverse cultural contexts.

Furthermore, peace tourism aims to reduce the root causes that create situations where violence is perceived as inevitable.

It does not replace other types of tourism practices but rather aims to facilitate their improvement.

Its impact goes far beyond economic benefits. It is interesting to look at tourism as a social force rather than an industry and see how we can use it to establish a culture of peace.

Tourism connects people and the planet. It is a vector of trust and goodwill.

Understanding culture can change behavior and consolidate peace.

Tourism’s role in supporting peace is also reflected in its contribution to the fight against poverty, the preservation of culture, and protecting the environment.
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Africa, global, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, United Nations, ,

2nd International Youth Forum on the Culture of Peace: Religion, Mediation and Climate Change in the Sahel

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from Le Faso (translation by CPNN)

The Sougourounoma Initiative for Education, Peace and Health (ISEPS) is organizing the second edition of the International Youth Forum on the Culture of Peace from December 17 to 19, 2024. The meeting, under the theme “Youth, Religion, Mediation and Climate Change in the Sahel and West Africa”, brings together young people from Benin, Mali, Niger, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. It will allow participants to discuss issues related to peace, including the link between peace and climate change, conflict analysis and interreligious dialogue.


Serge Aimé Zabié from the NGO Indigo, Côte d’Ivoire

Faced with the security crisis currently facing Burkina Faso and other Sahel countries, the contribution of young people in the response to this crisis is more than necessary. This explains the holding of this international forum, which advocates the inclusion of young people and their initiatives in the peace process. During the meeting, young people will be equipped with conflict analysis, interreligious dialogue, as well as mediation of environmental conflicts. “The aim will be to mobilize young people to discuss the link between peace and climate change, to prevent violent extremism and ensure that conflicts related to climate change are not exploited by armed terrorist groups to recruit young people and carry out acts of violence,” said Dr. Sougourounoma Henri Kaboré, Chairman and Executive Director of ISEPS.

The 72 hours of work will be filled with sessions on strategic analysis of conflicts and the Sahelian and West African context and sessions on mediation of environmental conflicts, whether by civil society, religious and customary actors. The involvement of young people in adaptation to climate change and in peacebuilding will also be highlighted during this forum. “We hope that participants will acquire specific skills in conflict analysis, environmental mediation, and interreligious dialogue. We also hope that they will build relationships of friendship and partnership among themselves, beyond religious and cultural barriers, so that once they return to their communities they can engage more meaningfully in their communities to transform things,” says Dr. Sougourounoma Henri Kaboré.

(Click here for the original article in French.)

(continued in right column)

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

(continued from left column)

The international youth forum is being held within the framework of the project “Youth in Interreligious Dialogue and Interreligious Mediation for Peaceful Communities in Burkina Faso”, which is being implemented in Fara in the Balé province. It is funded by the German Robert Bosche Foundation to the tune of 80,000 euros. Annie Höhne, representative of the German Ambassador, sponsor of the forum, welcomed the organization of the forum, and suggested that such initiatives are crucial to address current challenges.

“This support reflects our shared commitment to promoting peace and resilience in a region facing multidimensional challenges related to conflicts, humanitarian crises and climate change…In the current context of Burkina Faso, the role of young people is more crucial than ever. Their engagement in peaceful conflict resolution, environmental protection and interfaith dialogue is a cornerstone for building harmonious and sustainable communities,” she said.

During the forum, religious and customary leaders will speak with young people through presentations. Naaba Boalga, traditional chief of the village of Dawelgué, will lead a presentation focusing on traditional African religions in relation to nature. He will explore the relationships that existed between traditional African religions and the environment. “Our traditional societies are societies that practiced subsistence agriculture, that is to say that you mainly produced cereals and you consumed them. So you produce what you consume and you consume what you produce. And this mode of production, for example, means that traditional societies did not exert as much pressure on natural resources. Today, there are cash crops, such as sesame, cotton, which are practiced. Which is not a bad thing, but I am only placing myself in the traditional context to explain that at the time, there was a dialectical relationship with nature that did not pose any particular problem to this nature that managed to regenerate itself. We must now know how, in this context, we can at the same time benefit from cash crops and the advantages linked to the monetary economy, but while being respectful of nature,” he says.

For Alidou Ilboudo, coordinator of the Interreligious Council for Peace in Burkina, the emphasis on interreligious dialogue is a very important aspect of the forum. “We have a duty to connect and bring together young people of all faiths. Our mission is to tell them that indeed, each of us can have a faith, a belief, a dogma, but this dogma must nourish him with very strong convictions that remind him that we have a common origin that comes from God. And we are all brothers in humanity. So it is in dialogue that we learn this,” he maintains.

Having come from Côte d’Ivoire to take part in the forum, Serge Aimé Zabié of the NGO Indigo, which works in the field of social cohesion and peacekeeping, welcomes the initiative that includes young people in the search for peace. He hopes to come out of the meeting better equipped in peacebuilding. “My main expectation is that this forum can really change the mentality of young people so that they are no longer in a passive positionwhere they expect everything from the State, or think that peace comes from others. Peace must come from us young people, in our communities and families,” he said.

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Africa, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

The Third World March for Peace and Nonviolence Takes Its First Steps in Africa

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

An article from Pressenza (translation by CPNN)

Under the slogan “For Peace and Nonviolence”, the Third World March for Peace and Nonviolence reached Tangier, where the Seventh Humanist Forum was held from 27 to 30 November 2024, organised by the Humanist Embassy. The Forum is an international platform that brings together humanist activists from around the world to exchange ideas and strengthen efforts to build a world of peace and nonviolence.

Key Events and Themes

Participants: Humanist Embassy – World Without Wars and Without Violence – Convergence of Cultures – Humanist Association for Peace and Education in Nonviolence.

The Forum featured a series of cultural sessions and workshops focusing on the following issues:

1. Promoting the values ​​of peace and coexistence among peoples,

2. Raising awareness of the dangers of violence and promoting a culture of peace and non-violence,

3. Exchanging humanist experiences and practices in the field of peacebuilding and non-violence.

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(Click here for the original article in French.)

Question for this article:

The World March for Peace and Nonviolence: What is its history and its effects?

(article continued from left column)

International Presence

The Forum attracted more than 250 participants, including a foreign delegation of 30 humanist activists from ten countries, giving the event an international dimension and allowing the exchange of knowledge and experiences between participants from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds.

Tangier hosted the seventh edition of the Humanist Forum

The launch of the 7th Forum in Tangier was characterized by a large and diverse audience, with the opening of the event serving as a pivotal platform for the exchange of ideas and visions on peace and non-violence. The opening session was characterized by inspiring presentations and interventions that highlighted the multiple aspects of these humanist issues by the national and international representatives of the Humanist Embassy.

The presentations were intellectually rich and culturally diverse, with the speakers sharing their personal experiences and experiences in order to promote dialogue and understanding between different cultures. The forum also allowed participants to interact with the speakers, which made the discussions more lively and enriching

Participants expressed their satisfaction with this unique event that aims to create a global platform bringing together activists, thinkers and decision-makers to share successful experiences in promoting the values ​​of peace and tolerance. The forum continued with roundtable discussions and workshops highlighting practical solutions to the challenges facing the world today in the areas of non-violence and sustainable development.

Welcoming the World March for Peace and Nonviolence

The Forum was marked by the hosting of the World March, it was organized by World Without War and Nonviolence. The march left Costa Rica on October 2, 2024 and arrived in Morocco through the gateway to Africa, Tangier, on November 27, 2024. The event was an opportunity to highlight the importance of international cooperation to promote the values ​​of peace, especially since the march will continue its journey to African countries in order to convey its message to a greater number of people.

Thus, the Forum is part of the World March, aimed at establishing a culture of peace. It coincides with the launch of the third World March, thus strengthening the vision of the Forum while expanding its impact.
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Africa, DISARMAMENT & SECURITY

Women of Côte d’Ivoire commit to the Culture of Peace: more than 5,000 women expected at the Palais des Sports on December 21

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY .

An article from Abidjan.net (translation by CPNN)

Peace will be celebrated on Saturday, December 21, 2024, by more than 5,000 women, at the Palais des sports in Abidjan-Treichville, an initiative of the Caucus of Women of Côte d’Ivoire for Peace. MP [Parliamentarian] Mariam Traoré, President of the Organizing Committee of this gathering made the announcment on Tuesday, December 10, during a press conference at the Maison de la Presse in Abidjan-Plateau.

She explained that it is a gathering of women “from the institutions of the Republic, elected officials, women from public and private administration, women economic operators around the theme of peace”, specifying that the meeting is intended to be an apolitical activity.

In her speech, Mariam Traoré insisted on the importance of peace for women. “The women of Côte d’Ivoire want peace to be sustained. Especially as the upcoming elections approach, they want to fully play their part by calling on all actors in our society to make the defense of peace an absolute priority”, she insisted.

(Article continued in right column)

(Click here for the original in French.)

Questions for this article

Can the women of Africa lead the continent to peace?

(Article continued from left column)

According to the speaker, the Caucus will also take this opportunity to highlight the great contribution of President Alassane Ouattara in making decisions adapted to the needs of promoting women and the population in general. “We want to thank him for the peace and stability restored in our country. To mark this moment, we will release doves of peace,” she stressed.

“We, the women of Côte d’Ivoire, want peace and we are ready to work with all parties to achieve it,” assured the Tengrela MP. In the same vein, Mariam Traoré stressed the importance of peace, which she considers the most precious state to which all peoples of the world aspire. “For several years, our country has been living in tranquility and security; this contributes to ensuring the harmonious development of our nation and our activities,” she rejoiced.

The MP also urged Ivorians to preserve this stability, particularly as the next elections approach. “We must all work, each at our own level, to protect this peace that our country has taken so long to find.”

The ceremony is under the high patronage of Adama Tounkara, Mediator of the Republic, and under the patronage of Adama Bictogo, President of the National Assembly and the co-sponsorship of Henriette Dagri Diabaté.

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Africa, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

Third edition of dialogue on youth, peace, security in Africa opens in Bujumbura, Burundi

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

An article from the Nile Post

The third edition of the youth, peace and security in Africa dialogue organized by the African Union has opened in Bujumbura, Burundi.

The objective of the dialogue is to promote the youth peace and security agenda through advocacy and participation of young women and men across the Continent to meaningfully contribute to the implementation of the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Agenda in Africa.

The dialogue running under the theme, ‘Empowering African Youth for Peace: Education and Enhanced Coordination as a Catalyst for the Implementation of the YPS Agenda’ is being held at the at the Kiriri Presidential Palace and President  Évariste Ndayishimiye who is also the African Union champion of the YPS agenda is among the participants.

With more than 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the youth are a critical force for shaping Africa’s future.

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(Click here for an article on this subject in French.)

Question for this article:

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

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However, the continent still faces challenges in peace and security, including armed conflicts, political instability, and the rise of extremist groups, which disproportionately impact youth, women, and other vulnerable populations.

The dialogue in Bujumbura has brought together key stakeholders to assess progress, identify challenges, and explore strategies for mainstreaming peace education in school curriculums and mobilizing resources for YPS initiatives.

Over 1,200 participants, including policymakers, young leaders, and representatives of international institutions are attending.

The third edition of the dialogue has brought together key stakeholders in the implementation of the youth, peace and security agenda at the continental, regional and member states levels in order to assess the progress made so far, the challenges and opportunities for enhanced coordination, collaboration and complementarity.

On the other hand, the dialogue seeks to engage the participants in reflecting on effective ways to promote peace education in Africa.

(Editor’s note: Further information is available on the Twitter page of the African Union Youth Ambassadors for Peace.

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Africa, DISARMAMENT & SECURITY

Final Report of the 2023 Biennale of Luanda, “Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace”

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The Third edition of the Biennale of Luanda, “Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace” took place from 22 to 24 November 2023, as described briefly at the time in CPNN. The final report is now available, and we provide excerpts from its executive summary as follows:

The Biennale of Luanda, “Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace”, is a joint initiative of the Government of the Republic of Angola, UNESCO and the African Union that aims to promote conflict resolution and prevention of violence, encouraging cultural exchange and intergenerational dialogue in Africa. It is a broad platform for reflection and promotion of objectives, projects, visions, principles and values, which brings together Heads of States and Governments, young leaders, international organizations, financial institutions, private sector, civil society, scientific and artistic communities and sports, to address, disseminate ideas and inspire emblematic and sustainable individual and collective actions in favor of peace in Africa and the world. . . .


Vladmir Cuba, young representative of Guinea-Bissau, during the Intergenerational Dialogue

The third edition of the Biennale brought together a notable contingent of world leaders and representatives from different nations. Four Heads of State, three Vice Presidents, four former Heads of State and Advisors of the African Union, in addition to representatives from 23 countries, honored the event with their presence. The participation surpassed the mark of 2970 participants from several continents, including Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. The opening ceremony presided over by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, and marked by the presence of His Excellency the Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and the Deputy Director-General of UNESCO, Mr. Xing Qu, consolidated the Biennale as a forum for global dialogue to build a culture of peace.

Key outcomes included the recognition of youth and women as key actors in peacebuilding efforts, the importance of technology and education in achieving gender equality, and the role of Africa’s cultural heritage in promoting cross-cultural understanding. The event emphasized the need for intergenerational dialogue, collaborative partnerships, and innovative financing practices to drive positive change. Recommendations focused on fostering intergenerational collaboration, amplifying the voices of youth and women, effective resource allocation, and strengthening partnerships to advance the goals of peace and sustainable development in Africa. . . . .

The Luanda Biennale’s success in convening diverse voices, promoting dialogue, and empowering the next generation of peacebuilders reflects its commitment to serving as a pivotal platform for fostering peace, unity, and prosperity in Africa. The event’s legacy lies in its ability to inspire, connect, and empower individuals to contribute to the continent’s transformation, leaving a lasting impact on the discourse on peace and sustainable development in Africa. The Biennale’s strategic alignment with global and African agendas underscores its significance in shaping a narrative of progress, collaboration, and unity for the African continent.

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Question related to this article:

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

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Exhibition by the artists of the ResiliArt Project

The event program, in addition to six discussion panels and parallel activities, had as its highlight an intergenerational dialogue between African leaders and young people. This interaction, under the motto “Young people, actors in promoting the culture of peace and social transformations on the continent”, provided a rich space for exchanging experiences and innovative ideas, strengthening the role of young people in building a more peaceful and fair future for Africa.

The High-Level Panel offered young leaders the opportunity to learn from the experience of the older generation and present their innovative ideas to promote peace and social transformation. This intergenerational dialogue was fundamental to strengthening the involvement of young people in decision-making processes and building a more promising future for the continent.

The Second Panel highlighted the importance of technology and education in achieving gender equality. Participants recommended the development of an action plan in partnership with UNESCO, aiming to promote digital education, science and the culture of peace and non-violence from childhood.

The Third Panel, dedicated to the role of women in promoting peace, security and development, recommended empowering women in decision- making processes and expanding their participation in peacekeeping missions. The implementation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and UN Resolution 1325 was highlighted as fundamental to achieving these objectives.

The Fourth Panel addressed the need to transform education and financing systems in Africa. Recommendations included the adoption of innovative policies, investment in research and the establishment of intergenerational partnerships to support economic and social projects for social development and the maintenance of peace on the continent.

The Fifth Panel discussed the challenges and opportunities for economic growth on the African continent. Among the recommendations were the stimulation of entrepreneurship, the simplification of business creation processes, the promotion of commercial exchanges between member states of the African Union. But also, encourage the construction of communication, transport, energy and water infrastructures, from the perspective of shared resources.

The Sixth Panel addressed climate change and its impacts on Africa. Participants recommended the use of the Clean Development Mechanism to generate financial benefits for the continent and invest in projects that promote adaptation to climate change and the mitigation of its effects.

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Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION