Category Archives: Africa

The Contribution of Gabon to UNESCO and the Culture of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Excerpt from the website of the Gabon Review (translation by CPNN)

Drawing on his experience as a former actor in cooperation between Gabon and UNESCO, Juste Joris Tindy-Poaty takes stock of Gabonese initiatives in three key areas: the appropriation of international scientific programs, the implementation of the Program for the Management of Social Transformations (MOST), and the contribution to the Action Plan for a Culture of Peace in Africa. His analysis offers a unique perspective on Gabon’s past achievements and proposes concrete avenues for consolidating its diplomatic position within this international organization. . . .


Doctor Juste Joris Tindy-Poaty, Assistant Professor in Philosophy, Former Secretary General of the Gabonese National Commission for UNESCO (2011-2015). © DR

On the eve of the 43rd session of the General Conference, which could (we fervently hope) confirm the election of one of our own, in the person of Ambassador Noël Nelson Messone, to the post of Director-General of UNESCO, we intend to provide here some answers to the following question: what has been Gabon’s presence at UNESCO to date and what could this presence be beyond? It is as a former actor in our country’s cooperation with UNESCO that we authorize ourselves to make this contribution. . . .

The national contribution to the implementation of the “Action Plan for a Culture of Peace in Africa/Let’s Act for Peace”

Designed to call for the creation of a “Continental and Sustainable Movement for Peace”, the “Action Plan for a Culture of Peace in Africa/Let’s Act for Peace” was adopted at the end of the Pan-African Forum “Sources and Resources for a Culture of Peace”, organized jointly with the Angolan Government, UNESCO and the African Union, in Luanda (Angola), from 26 to 28 March 2013. The objective of this forum, which eventually became a Biennale of the Culture of Peace [2] , was “to draw on the sources of inspiration and the potential of the continent’s cultural, natural and human resources to identify concrete courses of action to build sustainable peace, understood as the cornerstone of endogenous development and Pan-Africanism.”

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

Question related to this article:

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

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Represented at the Pan-African Forum in Luanda in 2013, and as such a stakeholder in the implementation of the action plan calling for the creation of a “continental and sustainable movement for peace”, Gabon immediately worked to contribute to the creation, under the aegis of UNESCO and the AU, of a certain number of networks of civil society organizations in Africa and the Diaspora, namely: (i) the “Network of foundations and research institutions for the promotion of a culture of peace in Africa” (September 2013); the “Pan-African Youth Network for the Culture of Peace” (December 2014) and the “Pan-African Women’s Network for the Culture of Peace and Sustainable Development” (June 2018). Made up of more than 50 organizations, including UNESCO chairs, the first network has its permanent secretariat provided by the “Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation for Peace Research”, and its headquarters is therefore based in Côte d’Ivoire, more precisely in Yamoussoukro. Initiatives of Gabon, the other two networks have their respective headquarters in Libreville.

The “Pan-African Youth Network for the Culture of Peace”, made up of about 60 organizations, including National Youth Councils, was formalized at the end of the Pan-African Forum “African Youth and the Challenge of Promoting a Culture of Peace” organized from 11 to 13 December, jointly by the Omar Bongo Ondimba Foundation for Peace, Science, Culture and the Environment and the Gabonese National Commission for UNESCO with the support of UNESCO and the participation of the AU. The general objective of this forum was to mobilize and unite African youth, particularly through a number of representative field structures, with a view to promoting a culture of peace in Africa. Since its creation, the “Pan-African Youth Network for the Culture of Peace” has been involved in all major initiatives involving youth organized by UNESCO, not only in the sub-region, but also at the continental level, including the now traditional youth forum, one of the institutionalized segments of the “Luanda Biennale. Pan-African Forum for Culture”.

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Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

UN Women: Interview with Hawa Yokie on youth-led innovation in Sierra Leone

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY .

An article from UN Women

We live in a rapidly digitizing world, with over 67 per cent of the global population using the internet as of this year. Digital technologies and data have a critical role in fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals – the global blueprint for people and the planet – and as “digital natives”, young people are at the forefront of adopting and innovating with new technologies.  Worldwide, 79 per cent of people aged between 15 and 24 use the internet, significantly more than the rest of the population (65 per cent, as of 2023.)


Hawa Yokie spoke as a youth panellist at an event during the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the UN Headquarters in New York. Photo: UN Women/Catianne Tijerina

On International Youth Day (12 August), marked under the theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”, UN Women spoke to Hawa Yokie, member of the UN Women Generation Equity Youth Task Force and the co-founder and CEO of the Kamara Yokie Innovation Center in Sierra Leone. The first of its kind in Sierra Leone, the Innovation Center offers a safe, multicultural space for young people to learn digital technologies.

From youth-led community development to innovation and technology

Hawa Yokie was always curious about how things worked. Although her family wanted her to study law, she was interested in science and technology. She sneaked into the computer lab in school and taught herself computer skills.

“I’ve always wanted to see how I can create change and make an impact in my community,” said 24-year old Yokie from her home town, Kenema.

As part of a community development service group that visited rural communities in Sierra Leone and talked to young people about issues that affected them, Yokie had first-hand information about what young people needed.  

Soon after completing high school, during one of her visits to a village near Kenema, she discovered that most of the girls had dropped out of school and were pregnant or had already given birth. One of the challenges that the girls highlighted to Yokie was the lack of electricity to study.

“In rural communities where there is no access to electricity, girls get limited time to study at night [because they have to do household chores during the day], leading to low performance in school and ultimately dropping out of school,” she explained.

Thus started Yokie’s innovation journey. She started researching and teaching herself about renewal energy. With the help of a mentor, she learned about solar energy and created a new technology – SolWind – which combined solar and wind energy to generate electricity for the community.

“We were able to power 50 houses there,” shared Yokie.

A centre for learning digital technology and innovation

When Yokie went to the university in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital, she realized that many young people didn’t know how to use a computer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she saw her peers struggle to adapt to online classes.

Witnessing their challenge, Yokie started computer literacy classes for students in the university, and from there, she moved on to teaching and inspiring younger children.

“So we went to schools and started teaching kids computer literacy, coding and programming,” said Yokie. Recognizing the importance of inspiring young minds, Yokie and her friends launched a campaign in 2021 – STEM for Us by Us. The campaign connected people working in STEM fields with young people interested in STEM careers.

In 2023, together with her friend Abu Kamara, Yokie launched the Kamara Yokie Innovation Center – a first-ever in Sierra Leone – a safe space by and for young people to learn digital technologies.  

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Questions for this article

Can the women of Africa lead the continent to peace?

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“By then, we had already established 15 STEM clubs [through the STEM for Us campaign] and had impacted over 5,000 young students across Sierra Leone,” said Yokie.

The Kamara Yokie Innovation Center works directly with schools and communities and teaches an array of skills – from digital literacy to computer programming, robotics, electronics, 3D design, and drone technology.

The Center then encourages the students to innovate and problem-solve. “We have had students who learned drone technology and are using it to map out safety issues during the rainy season [when it floods], and show environmental degradation and sanitation issues. And, we have had students who used hydroponics for agriculture,” said Yokie.

The organization also helps students get funding to implement the solutions in their schools and communities.

How digital tools enhance learning for youth

“What we do at the Center, the digital tools that we have, have really impacted these kids,” said Yokie. “They have helped them use their imagination and learn in an easy and fun way.” She claims that the children who come to the Center perform exceptionally well in school.

When asked what digital skills are especially relevant for young people in the country, Yokie said computer skills and digital literacy were a priority for young people in Sierra Leone, along with coding and programming skills, 3-D design and robotics.

For Yokie, the future is digital, and she wants young people in Sierra Leone prepared to seize the opportunities.

Gender stereotypes and the importance of mentorship for girls in technology

“I couldn’t study science. What if my parents had allowed me to pursue science, where would I have been today,” wonders Yokie.
The prevalent gender norms and stereotypes limited Yokie’s education choices as a young girl. Her parents wanted her to study law, instead of science.

“When we were doing the solar installation, we had to climb up the roof. Someone told me: ‘You should not climb on top of a roof to do installation. That’s a man’s job’.”

Yokie and thousands of girls and young women around the world are battling such stereotypes every day. And for them, mentorship matters.

“There are only a few women in tech in Sierra Leone that I know of,” said Yokie. “Mentorship is really important, and to have mentors believe in what you’re doing and supporting you… it really changed my life.”

With 70 per cent of their programmes focusing on girls, the Kamara Yokie Innovation Center aims to improve access to digital learning for girls and also offers them mentorship.

“One of the biggest challenges that I face is access to funding,” said Yokie. “It’s hard [to find] funding for women-led organizations.”

African youth-led solutions to problems

Hawa Yokie dreams big. She wants to create even more impact.

“Since 2021 to now, we have been able to impact about 7,000 young students. We want to increase that number. But we also want to reach students and communities across Sierra Leone and even outside of Sierra Leone.”

Her dream is for the Innovation Center to become a solution hub where African youth can design and innovate unique solutions for the problems that communities across Africa are facing.

“For Africa, it’s good if we innovate in our culture, create technologies that work for us instead of copying what other countries is doing.”

Message for the International Youth Day

“Technology is here to stay. We need to use technology as a tool to create impact and reach places so that our voices are heard. We need to use tech for good.”

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Africa, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

First Pan-African Conference on Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY .

An article from Radarr Africa

Girls’ education as a tool to prevent HIV infection has been centred at the 1st African Union Pan-African Conference on Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa. This followed African leaders designating education as the 2024 African Union theme of the year.

At a high-level side event hosted by the Education Plus Initiative on the first day of conference held at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, leaders, girls’ and women’s networks and advocates called for greater investments in girls’ education.

“Some people claim that providing girls with secondary education is too expensive. Such claims fail to consider the exponentially higher cost of not educating them,” said UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima. “We can get all our girls and boys to complete secondary education; that should be our legacy.”

UNICEF calculates that 34 million girls in sub-Saharan Africa are out of secondary school. According to the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2023, in all regions in Africa, there are more girls out of school at the secondary level than boys, with gender disparities worsening as children move up to higher levels of education in favour of boys over girls. In sub-Saharan Africa, less than half of adolescent girls complete secondary education, their percentage standing at 42% and there has been no progress at all in closing this gap in the past 20 years. Sub-Saharan Africa is the region furthest from parity at the expense of girls, with no progress since 2011 at the lower secondary level and since 2014 in upper secondary.

Gender is a key factor linked to disparities in enrolment, retention, completion, and learning outcomes through social conditioning, gender-based differences in parental expectations and education-related investments, child marriages and early childbearing, female genital mutilation, child labour, gender-based violence, period poverty and discrimination.

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(Click here for the original in French.)

Questions for this article

Can the women of Africa lead the continent to peace?

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More than forty years into the HIV response, Africa remains an epicenter of the AIDS epidemic with adolescent girls and young women being disproportionately affected. Every week 3100 adolescent girls and young women acquired HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Every three minutes, an adolescent girl or young woman aged 15-24 years acquired HIV in 2022 in sub-Saharan Africa. Adolescent girls and young women aged 15-24 years in the region were more than three times as likely to acquire HIV than their male peers in 2022.

UN agencies, African Union representatives, government ministers, and young women leaders called for accelerated actions to translate commitments to action through leveraging girls’ education for gender equality and preventing HIV, child marriage, teenage pregnancies, violence, gender-related stigma and discrimination in Africa.

Speakers emphasized the connection between health and education. Ministers spoke about key policy reforms and best practices aimed at promoting girls’ education, including creating safe and inclusive school environments, strategies to get girls into secondary school, and the readmission policy that addresses high dropout rates due to pregnancy. UN co-leads emphasised the need for improved collection of data disaggregated by sex and other relevant population characteristics to better understand educational participation, progression, and learning, and using gender-sensitive data for policymaking and planning.

Other issues highlighted included the integration of digital literacy programs into the secondary education and vocational training curriculum to facilitate smooth transitions from school to employment; integration of gender equality into all aspects of the education system, including curriculum-based comprehensive sexuality education and life skills, address gender-based violence within schools and discriminatory laws and practices, and access to information, non-discriminatory HIV and sexual and reproductive health services access.

Young women leaders spoke on the role of partnerships and young women’s leadership. Participants highlighted the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration as an opportunity moment to accelerate accountability and commitments, as well as the CSW Resolution 60/2, Women, the Girl Child and HIV and AIDS as significant mechanisms to address political and resource gaps so no woman or girl is behind in the HIV response.

Education Plus is a rights-based, gender-responsive action agenda to ensure adolescent girls and young women have equal access to quality secondary education, alongside key education and health services and support for their economic autonomy and empowerment.  Co-led by five UN agencies, the initiative builds on existing frameworks like the Transforming Education Summit, the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) and the Dakar Education for All (EFA) Declaration to push for access and completion of education for women and girls in Africa.

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Africa, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

Transforming Youth from Violence to Champions of Peace in Uganda

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . . .

Special to CPNN

Access Youth Initiative Uganda is implementing a project “Amplifying Community Voices for Sustainable peace in Rwenzori Region” in selected communities of Maliba and Bulembia sub counties in Kasese district. The project aims at promoting reconciliation and social cohesion by reinforcing the resilience of youth indoctrinated along cultural, religious and political lines and their capacity to face hate speech in Kasese district, in South Western Uganda. The project is implemented by Access Youth Initiative Uganda and supported by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations through its Youth Solidarity Fund, 2024 edition.

The project also focusses at preventing re-radicalization in a bid to prevent the targeted youth from sliding back into acts of violence. To achieve this, it is built on 3 main components of peace building; mentorship, capacity building and sports.

The project places youth at the center of its programming by empowering Youth Peace Champions to engage in peace-building sensitization and awareness activities including mobilizing communities through sports activities, dialogue campaigns and peace camps.

It also involves working with religious, cultural and community leaders through capacity building interventions to work as supportive agents in peace building.

According to Ibrahim Kakinda, Executive Director of Access Youth Initiative Uganda, the project places the youth and community leaders at the center of decision making – identifying the “what” needs to be done and “how” it should be done through meaningful engagement of young people.

Questions related to this article:

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

Youth initiatives for a culture of peace, How can we ensure they get the attention and funding they deserve?

Kasese district in the Rwenzori Region of Uganda has witnessed longstanding inter and intra ethnic conflicts and tensions orchestrated by geo-ethno-political, cultural, religious and economic diversities compounded further by the uncontrolled influx of refugees from D.R Congo and Rwanda. These divides have widened the “revenge attitude” leading to formation of violent youth brigades and alliances intensifying community polarization, with a recent example being an attack on Lhubiriha secondary school killing over 37 students in June 2023.

“the project is implemented in an inclusive and active participatory manner with active participation of youth, women, girls and other actors like community members, community religious and cultural leaders, local government leaders, CSOs, existing community infrastructures for peace, – applying a “whole of society” approach of transforming conflicts and promoting and sustaining peace, says Bridget Achaakit, the project coordinator.

Morris, a “Community Peace Mediaor” says the project is now referred to as a model best practice for transforming the lives of youth – especially in conflict and post-conflict contexts and we hope the learnings from the project will make other actors to initiate similar projects in other areas. “Many of us who used to be looked at as perpetrators have transformed from champions of violence to ‘champions of peace’ and we are trusted as agents of peace in our communities,”
About Access Youth Initiative Uganda

Access Youth Initiative Uganda (AYI-Uganda) is a grass root youth-led Non-Governmental Organization fostering a culture of justice, peace and respect for human rights in Uganda.
Feel free to reach out: Email: kaksterry@yahoo.com, Link: www.accessyouthuganda.org

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Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION

South Kanem, Chad: the ADM promotes the culture of peace and peaceful cohabitation

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . . .

An article by Djidda Mahamat Oumar in Alwihda Info (translation by CPNN)

The Association “Développement du Mondo” (ADM) launched a campaign yesterday Wednesday June 26, 2024, an ambitious initiative aimed at combating intercommunity conflicts in the Kanem-Sud department.

During the event, the ADM distributed solar-powered radios to around fifteen local listening clubs.

This initiative, led by the President of the Association, Ali Younous Ali, aims to provide communities with easy and regular access to educational and awareness programs on conflict management and prevention.

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

Questions related to this article:

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

How can peace be promoted by radio?

“Our goal is to promote a culture of peace and peaceful cohabitation through effective communication and community education,” said Ali Younous Ali, during the launching ceremony. The solar radios will play a crucial role in allowing members of the listening clubs to stay informed, and participate in constructive discussions on conflict resolution.

This action is part of a broader strategy of the ADM, aimed at strengthening social cohesion and encouraging peaceful dialogue between the different communities in the region. The beneficiaries of these radios expressed their gratitude for this valuable support, emphasizing the importance of having communication tools to promote peace and mutual understanding.

“These radio stations will allow us to stay connected and informed on best practices for conflict management,” said a member of a local listening club. The ADM reiterates its commitment to continue its efforts to promote peace and stability in South Kanem, in close collaboration with local communities and international partners.

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Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION

News from the Culture of Peace Foundation in Nigeria

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

Excerpts from the instagram page of the Culture of Peace Foundation

The Culture of Peace Foundation (CUPEF) brings together changemakers and thought leaders with a common vision to advance culture of peace and non-violence.

A official statement dated October 20, 2023 says “Culture of Peace Foudation was founded with a vision to advance UNESCO culture of peace and non-violence amongst all class of humanity regardless of race, gender, color or creed. The mission of the foundation is to create conditions for the attainment of sustainable peace through human capital development, empowering individuals and communities to cultivate culture of peace and non-violence.


Week one with Paulinho Muzaliwa and Titilope Adedokun CHC agri-technicians training program 2024 in cooperation with Culture of Peace Foundation

A lecture dated October 24, 2023 by Freddy Mutanguha, CEO of Aegis Trust, is publicized on the subject of “Strategizing for our collective future; Dialogues of peace; Dismantling Hate.”

January 13, 2024. Partnership with African University Student Platform for African Youth Conference January 18-20 in Kigali, Rwanda.

January 13, 2024. Farouk Chibuzor Akaolisha, founder and president of the Culture of Peace foundation speaks on NTA Channel 5, Abuja, concerning “Role of Intercultural Communication in Effective Leadership.”

January 20, 2024. The President of Culture of Peace Foundation Farouk Chibuzor met with some stakeholders in Maitama, Abuja at the office of CHC AgriTech Africa LTD to discuss better ways to engage with the state governments in some Northern States for the proposed AgriTech Training and Empowerment Project- a partnership between Culture of Peace Foundation (CUPEF) and CHC AgriTech Africa with commitment to train smallholder farmers in Nigeria on the use of eco-friendly and fast-acting microbiome technology to improve food security and environmental health protection.

March 30, 2024: culture_of_peace_foundation, Maitama, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Are you are a farmer, teacher, student, freelancer, unemployed graduate, civil servant, business person, or even a stay-at-home mom interested in creating new economic opportunities through agriculture, we invite you to register for the CUPEF-CHC Agri-Technicians Training Program to unlock exciting new opportunities in the agro-value chain.

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Question for this article:

What is the relation between movements for food sovereignty and the global movement for a culture of peace?

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May 11, 2024. We are pleased to announce the launch of CHC Agri-Technicians Training Program on Microbiome Technology- a partnership between Culture of Peace Foundation (CUPEF) and CHC AgriTech Africa aimed at promoting food security and economic empowerment of smallholder farmers.

May 28, 2024. The First Session of Train the CHC Agritechnicians Program. Meet Our Distinguished Trainer- Ms Titilope delivered the topic on the “Benefits of Social Media for Farmers”. Titilope, a renowned social entrepreneur and digital expert shared insights on using social media to drive impactful change and empower communities. Creating opportunities for Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture.

May 28, 2024. Paulinho Muzaliwa- Uganda Unidos Projects also shared knowledge and experiences with our participants us on “SOIL HEALTH”. Passionate about Regenerative Agriculture, Paulinho Muzaliwa is a multiple social impact award winner, Founder of UNIDOS Project and a Congolese Nationale living in Uganda as a Refugee.

May 29, 2024. The Second Session was delivered by Mr. Hammed Kayode on the “Art of Story Telling” taking the participants on exciting new experiences on how farmers an adapt a unique storytelling techniques to communicate their businesses and success stories to their target markets and the global community.

June 12: the Third session of CHC Agritechnicians Training Program in collaboration with @chc_agritech_africa_nigltd and @culture_of_peace_foundation featured two amazing Speakers, Earnest Corner and Dominique Edwards, both from the United States of America and Fellows at Western Union Foundation and Watson Institute. Our goal is to raise 100 Certified and Well-trained Agritechnicians that will reach and empower 100,000 farmers in 2024 and we aim to achieve this by collaborating with community leaders, social impact changemakers, farmers cooperatives, NGOs and Community Based Organisations to reach large number of smallholder farmers across communities for increased agricultural productivity and economic empowerment. We are currently working with diverse stakeholders both in the government and the private sector organisations to provide our Agritechnicians with mentorship and best experience in agricultural innovation for increased capacity development and sustainable food security.

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Africa, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Report of World Peace Foundation activities in DR Congo

. EDUCATION FOR PEACE . .

Special to CPNN from John Mukhuta Muhiana (translation by CPNN)

We are an organization called the World Peace Foundation in DR Congo. During this period of war in our Country, we organized many activities on Peace with different categories of the population, especially with students from different schools always within the framework of promoting Peace.

The World Peace Foundation asks the authorities to get involved in promoting the culture of Peace while always respecting our motto: Peace, love and unity. Also with the following objectives: to educate children, adolescents and adults for a culture of Peace, non-violence and justice; educate children, adolescents and adults in conflict resolution; Intervene in cases of conflict resolution between individuals, between families, between companies, businesses, NGOs or between members of a group, different groups or social or administrative institutions; supervise children; create schools; create universities for learning conflict resolution; celebrate the International Day of Peace every year.

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

Questions related to this article:

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

What is the relation between peace and education?

A constant fact we have noticed is that it is a challenge for the supervision of youth; they commit acts of violence, killing, theft. These young people are commonly called coulouna in Kinshasa and in my province they are called shegués. Despite the restoration of certain young people, the community does not find Peace, there is an African proverb which says, the small tree of today will become the forests of tomorrow, if today the organizations of civil society, the government is not totally involved, this means our planet is in danger. We have an obligation to make all our efforts to supervise these young people and achieve the objective of promoting the culture of Peace and non-violence and create a possible world. Our planet earth needs Peace.

We believe that with globalization no one can live as an island, so we are obliged to live together or we say that without Africa there will be no America, without America there will be no Asia, without Asia there will be no Europe and without Europe there will be no Oceania, and without Oceania there will be no Africa. This is why our Organization asks the Congolese population to use a simple diagram of cups for Peace, where you will find “love, kindness, charity, dignity, honesty, joy, peace, prosperity and unity. » which could bring our planet Earth to its full development.

If we use this simple diagram, we will see a real change in our planet Earth.
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Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, EDUCATION FOR PEACE

Maniema: launch of the peace protection support project in Kabambare, DR Congo

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . . .

An article from Radio Okapi (translation by CPNN)

The National Network of NGOs for the Development of Women (RENADEF) launched, Monday May 20 in Kindu, a project to support the protection of peace for the territory of Kabambare (Maniema).
 
This project will be implemented for 12 months with at least 300 community mediators who will be responsible for raising community awareness on the culture of peace and peaceful conflict resolution.

Marie Nyombo Zaina

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

Questions related to this article:

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

“RENADEF supports the implementation of the action plan of this project on the ground. Its main objective is to consolidate peace and the protection of women and girls in precarious humanitarian conditions, where there is “insecurity or armed groups or even wars and natural disasters”, according to the national coordinator of the organization, Marie Nyombo Zaina.
 
This project is part of the support framework of the Congolese Government through the legal instruments that the country has ratified at the international level.
 
“It is within this framework that we are working on UN Security Council Resolution 1325. The action plan for the second generation is being launched in different provinces and I think that next week it will be launched. With our planning, at the end of this project, at least 12,000 people will be reached by the message because there will also be some local organizations strengthened to sustain the action,” added Marie Nyombo Zaina.

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Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION

Working for water and peace in the Tessalit area of Mali

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article received CPNN from Bakrene Ag Sidimohamed

To work for peace in the Tessalit area in the North of Mali, we need to develop actions for the control and sharing of water resources.

I. Introduction

The Tessalit region located in the far north of Mali just on the Algerian border is characterized by large-scale livestock activity, 80% of the populations are involved in livestock breeding (breeding of camels, cows, goats and sheep).

Livestock in addition to being a source of nutrition thanks to milk, cheese, butter and meat, is also an income-generating activity through the marketing of animals.

When we talk about livestock we are necessarily talking about pastures and water sources.

From 2012 to 2024 (start of the new instability in northern Mali) the practice of livestock farming increased significantly due to the economic growth of the Tessalit area and the interest of communities in the raising of animals.

This growth has had a direct and significant impact on the daily use of water points in areas with extensive grazing and especially during periods of extreme heat; thus creating traffic jams of people and their herds at water points for almost 24 hours a day.

This is a problem everywhere, including at very few existing sources created by drilling wells thanks to development partners such as MINUSMA and international NGOs.

Because of the intense competition people often get carried away by their emotions and lose their reasoning, causing disagreements and misunderstandings.

It is generally observed that the owners of water sources and the indigenous communities of a grazing site are disturbed by the regular arrival of other communities in search of water to water their herds and for their own consumption; hence the origin of a large part of inter- and intra-community conflicts.

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(Click here for the original article in French

Question for this article:

Scarcity of water: A growing source of conflict?

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

(Article continued from the left column)

These conflicts around water sources are regularly fueled by political and ideological oppositions and also external exploitation. Water being the main source of life in the greater SAHARA is regularly used by conflict actors as alibis to fuel tensions between communities and thus weaken the social fabric.

Rational management of water points is the best way to prevent and manage conflicts in the localities of northern Mali.

II. Challenges Related to Water Management

It is noted that several factors explain the insufficiency of water in the Tessalit area: we can speak of low rainfall and an often empty water table, abusive use of water in mining sites during the exploitation and artisanal refining of gold, great desertification linked to climate change and deforestation, the commercialization of water towards cities and above all the significant growth of herds.

Given these different natural and human phenomena, the following practices are needed for the rational and equitable management of water and above all maintaining peaceful coexistence within communities.

III. Recommendations

To restore and consolidate social cohesion around water points, certain actions constitute essential tools for the stability of the area.

° Establish and maintain management committees at public water sources
.
° Ask traditional authorities (fraction leaders, imams) to regularly disseminate awareness-raising messages and human habits favorable to living together.

° Separate water points for domestic use from those for commercial use while instructing gold miners to produce their own sources on their work sites.

° Advocate with development partners for the construction of mini-dams and water reservoirs.

° Organise awareness sessions for economic operators and large breeders
to drill for water in large pasture environments

° Develop citizen management committees at water sources and raise awareness among nomadic populations for the sharing of water resources

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Africa, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Inter-Malian Dialogue for Peace and National Reconciliation

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

A survey by CPNN based on multiple sources as shown (translation by CPNN)

Last month, we published on CPNN the proposal from Mali’s military leaders, led by Colonel Assimi Goïta, for an Inter-Malian Dialogue for Peace and National Reconciliation. Since the dialogue concluded on May 10 and presented its recommendations, we searched the results online and found contradictions, depending on the country providing the narrative.


Photo by Maliweb

The official version, published by the presidency of Mali, included the following:

“Several recommendations and resolutions emerged from this national process. Boubacar SOW, General Rapporteur of the Steering Committee of the Inter-Malian Dialogue for Peace and National Reconciliation, summarized the recommendations resulting from the deliberations, including the creation of a framework of permanent dialogue, the dissolution of self-defense militias, and the use of local traditions for conflict management.

“Certain recommendations also aim to reduce public spending, create industrial units and promote entrepreneurship. Securing borders and creating a memorial site for the nation’s martyrs have also been suggested.

“Ousmane Issoufi MAIGA, President of the Steering Committee, affirmed that the dialogue had been a democratic and inclusive process, meeting the expectations of Malians for a new peace architecture based on endogenous values.

“President GOÏTA’s speech and the recommendations resulting from the dialogue mark a decisive turning point for Mali, promising profound transformations in the political, social, security, diplomatic and economic landscape of the country.”

An article in Maliweb added more details:

“On another note, it must be a priority to know Mali first through its history and geography in order to serve it. To do this, the delegates recommended the “compulsory” teaching of the history and geography of Mali in schools up to the university They also recommended “engaging in dialogue with all Malian armed movements.” They recommended the creation of “deradicalization structures” to promote education in the Mali culture of peace. In addition to all this, for the project of peace and reconciliation, the participants wished for the “Repatriation of the deplaced” who wish to return to their country.

“Regarding political and institutional issues, the participants asked to “harden” the conditions for the creation and to reduce the number and financing of political parties. Also to prohibit religious and village leaders from engaging in the political activism, to extend the transition from 2 to 5 years and to encourage the candidacy of Colonel Assimi Goïta in the next presidential election. They also expressed their wish to see Colonels Goïta, Diaw, Camara, Wagué , Koné and Maïga “elevated to the rank of general”. “Consensus” around the transition was desired by the delegates for its recovery and stability, they did not joke about “Control of the editorial line of preaching by religious people”. Independence of justice and the transparency of the judicial chain and the acceleration of “ongoing legal procedures” were also strong recommendations.”

The preceding articles were supported by articles published or republished in Niger, in Morocco, in Chad and in Turkey.

(Article continued in right column)

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

Question related to this article:

How can we develop the institutional framework for a culture of peace?

(Article continued from left column)

The article published in Niger, a neighboring country that recently experienced a similar military coup against French rule, was particularly positive:

“In addition, the start of the operational phase was given on April 2, 2024, marking the start of a series of meetings orchestrated by the Steering Committee. These brought together a mosaic of national actors: republican institutions , customary authorities, religious leaders, political groups and representatives of civil society, with particular attention paid to women and youth.

“Similarly, the consultative meetings, held from April 13 to 15 in 763 communes and from April 20 to 22 in Bamako as well as in the 19 administrative regions, were distinguished by their participatory and inclusive character. The national mobilization was strong, each component of society having had the opportunity to contribute to the discussions.

“Moreover, the national phase of the Dialogue stood out for its exceptional participation, testifying to the representativeness of delegates from various horizons of Malian society. The regions, the district of Bamako, the diaspora, refugees, universities, the unions and the business community have all responded.

“Finally, this dialogue process illustrates the determination of the Malian people to forge, from within, solutions to the multiple challenges that are hampering their momentum towards progress and development. By adopting an inclusive and participatory approach, Mali is committed firmly on the path to consolidating peace and working for the advent of a stable and prosperous future, a promise of harmony for all of its citizens.”

The articles published in France are negative.

Le Monde republished a press release from a collective of Malian civil society parties and organizations which denounced the process as a “masquerade”, saying that the military “wants to persist in power by taking Mali hostage and the Malians.” They added that “the authorities ignore the daily difficulties of Malians, faced with insecurity, the high cost of living, unemployment and power cuts, and “have demonstrated their notorious incapacity to provide the slightest beginning of a solution.”

Radio France Internationale wrote that “the political parties of the Declaration of March 31, a coalition which brings together almost all Malian parties, all tendencies combined, reject the conclusions of this dialogue described as a “grotesque political trap”. In their eyes, the Malians “have been duped.” For the Malian political parties, whose activities were suspended last month, the objective of the colonels who have ruled the country for almost four years is clear: “They want to stay in power. by taking Mali and the Malians hostage.”

The article in Radio France Internationale was republished by Yahoo News and by All Africa.

The critique by the coalition of political parties of the March 31 Declaration was published in detail by Seneplus, based in Senegal.

Some other sources based in Africa were also critical, but to a lesser extent than those based in France.

An article from Bamada.net, based in Mali, says that “On reading certain recommendations, one easily understands that the Steering Committee was, at a given moment, carried away by the facts. This is why in the final document, no recommendations concern the guarantee of freedom of expression and freedom of the press, as well as the accountability of the authorities towards taxpayers And yet these elements are essential for lasting peace.”

An article by LePays, based in Burkina Faso, says that “a good number of Malians did not take part in the talks and therefore do not feel committed to the conclusions that emerged. This is the case of a significant segment of the political class, civil society and armed groups in the North. These excluded from dialogue do not intend to watch, idly, the confiscation of power in Mali and are preparing to use all means at their disposal to be heard. . . . We cannot help but say that the discordant voices which are heard at the end of this dialogue process prove, once again, that the Malians have placed the emphasis on what divides them more than on what unites them.”
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Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION