Tag Archives: Africa

Mali: Culture of Peace and Living Together: Contribution of teachers

… EDUCATION FOR PEACE …

An article from Maliactu

The Ministry of National Education, through the Project to improve the quality and results of education for all in Mali (Miqra), in response to the multidimensional crisis that has been shaking our country for more than a decade, has decided to implement teacher training activities in the Culture of Peace in all teaching academies. Thus, the Bamako Left Bank Teaching Academy initiated the training of 20 teachers through a five-day workshop held from September 5 to 9, at the Bamako Technical High School.


Since 2012, Mali has been going through a major security, political and institutional crisis that has disrupted social structures, exacerbated social divisions, aggravated social and economic inequalities and undermined the authority of the State.

This crisis, initially limited to the regions of northern Mali (Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal), has since 2017 spread to the regions of Koulikoro, Mopti and Ségou in the center and to Sikasso (circles of Yorosso and Koutiala), in the south of country. Thus, serious violations of children’s rights, including rape and attacks on schools, have been reported in the regions of Koulikoro, Sikasso, Mopti and Ségou like those of Timbuktu, Gao, Kidal, Taoudéni and Ménaka. . Entire villages have been attacked, directly targeting schools, some of which have been set on fire.

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(click here for the French original of this article)

Question for this article:

What is the relation between peace and education?

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The education sector has been severely affected by the security crisis, the consequences of which are reflected in the threat to access to education for thousands of school-age children; particularly in the north of the country, due to massive population displacements and school closures; the destruction of school infrastructure and equipment in the affected regions and the deterioration of the learning environment in the host regions in the south of the country; the exacerbation of the shortage of teachers and the difficulties related to their management; the demobilization of educational personnel, etc.

These situations have created favorable conditions for the resurgence of dropouts and absenteeism of students and teachers. In response to the complex crisis and post-crisis, the Ministry of National Education, through the Project to improve the quality and results of education for all in Mali (Miqra) initiated the training of Culture of Peace teachers in all teaching academies. Indeed, the persistent crisis situation means that today each region is affected by the crisis. In addition, the culture of peace is a cross-cutting theme that can and should be taught in all EAs from a conflict prevention perspective. This is why, rather than being limited to conflict zones, the action is extended to all teaching academies with a view to the resilience of the education system, in line with sub-program 5 of Prodec II.

In the long term, the reinvestment of the achievements of this training in teaching/learning activities will contribute to a change in behavior among school actors, in particular teachers and children in the sense of living together.

This training session aims to build the capacities of teachers in education for the culture of peace; understand the key concepts of peace, culture of peace, peace education, culture of peace education; determine the causes and consequences of conflicts; identify the phases in the development of a conflict.

Africa, EDUCATION FOR PEACE

Conakry: Forum on national unity and peace

TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from Mosaique Guinee

The consolidation of peace and social tranquility are the only alternatives for the sustainable development of the African continent.

Conakry hosted a meeting for exchanges and sharing of experiences between opinion leaders from Guinea and those from the West African sub-region.

An initiative of the synergy of actions of the social forces of Guinea, this National and sub-regional Forum had as its theme “national unity and peace, challenges and prospects”.

For three days, Guineans, Malians, Senegalese, Burkinabe Ivorians, Nigerians, Nigeriens met in panels and focused their thoughts on the sustainability of peace and democratic achievements in the sub-region.

During the closing ceremony of this Forum, the general coordinator of the synergy of actions of the social forces of Guinea justified the approach by the fact that Guinea has been going through a situation of political instability for a year.

According to Alseny Oumar Diallo, the general coordinator of the synergy of actions of the social forces of Guinea, it is imperative to collect opinions and recommendations to serve as a guide to the national reconciliation process announced by the CNRD in Guinea.

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(Click here for the original article in French.)

Question related to this article:

Solidarity across national borders, What are some good examples?

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He declared, “We need recommendations from everyone. These different recommendations will be in a document called the final report. And it will serve as a guide in the process of reconciliation, dialogue and forgiveness in Guinea. That is why from the beginning we identified the sources of division in our country. Also, we sought to know the opinions of all the actors involved in the reconciliation process, to facilitate this work. This is why we have invited brother countries to share experiences and ideas with them”.

For his part, Moussa Sey Diallo from the Republic of Mali, also a spokesperson for the panelists, welcomed the holding of this workshop: “I would like to thank those who organized this synergy and who invited us to come and take part in this forum which is truly a kind of course in giving and receiving. We must go through this initiative so that Africans can rub shoulders and discover each other.”

According to him, the scope and relevance of the theme goes beyond Guinea. This is why he urged the organizers to perpetuate their actions in the sense that Guinea, which was the first French-speaking country in the sub-region to gain independence, must serve as an example.

“Guinea must initiate a lot of things to try to bring around it many other nations,” added the spokesperson for the panelists.

Present at this work, Balla Condé says he has acquired a lot of experience that can enable him to raise awareness among these citizens and manage the community. He thus promises to popularize the teachings received from the meeting among his fellow citizens. “I will make them understand who is a good citizen. What do we want for this country? And tell them about the importance of peace in a country. It is important for African peoples to build human and intellectual capacities,” he stresses.

Finally, the panelists invited the decision-makers to advocate peace and tranquility within their respective States. According to them, the culture of peace and national unity is priceless.

Africa, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

UNGA77: Aisha Buhari advocates inclusion of peace education in African schools

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY .

An article from Sun News On Line

The First Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has advocated for the mandatory inclusion of peace education in the curriculum of basic education in African schools in order to promote a culture of peace on the continent.

She made the call at an event in New York on “The Role of Young Women and Girls in Advancing Peace and Security: Promoting a Culture of Peace in Fragile Settings”.

The High Level event was organised by the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) on the margins of the ongoing 77th Session of the UN General Assembly.

Mrs Buhari, the President of AFLPM, who spoke virtually, said she it was necessary to include peace education in curriculum because of the peculiarity of conflicts in Africa.

“I made a case for the mandatory inclusion of “peace education” as an essential subject in the curriculum of Basic Education of schools in Africa, during the Extra-Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, in May, 2022.

“I am happy to report that the initiative was well received,’’ she said.

Mrs. Buhari called on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization to do the same as core partners and implementers of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda (UNESCO)

She stated that she has extended a similar call to UNESCO, in consultation with other entities and partners, to consider developing a universal curriculum on gender, peace, and security education for all schools as a way of putting Resolution 1325 into action.

The Nigerian First Lady noted that the event coincided with the 22 years anniversary since the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on WPS, and subsequently, nine other resolutions to advance the WPS framework.

Mrs Buhari added that it was also significant that these historic resolutions on the preeminence of women and girls in peace-building, peace-making, and peace-keeping processes were adopted in this great city of New York.

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Questions for this article

Can the women of Africa lead the continent to peace?

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“We are meeting at a time of heightened tension and conflict in all regions of the world.

“Therefore, it is time for women and their organisations to step up their contribution to the cause of peace and justice, and for the international community to attach greater value to the special voices of women in the peace process.’’

According to her, as a guardian and partner in the struggle for African Peace, the challenge is even greater “for our 12 year-old institution to rise and insist that women’s priorities are central to peace and security policy, at all levels.”

She added that “it is evident that violent conflict takes its greatest toll on women and girls, although we form more than half of the world’s population.

“In conflict situations, we are pre-disposed to the double jeopardy of horror and gender injustice in various forms.

“Already, there is a wide deficit in the realisation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), due to limited access to healthcare, welfare services, economic opportunities and political participation by women and girls in Africa,” she said.

In a continent plagued by widespread disorder and state fragility, she said our individual countries were more than ever before faced with alarming ratios of maternal and child mortality.

“Besides death, injury and displacement, conflict destroys infrastructure, undermines  social ties, and reduces the capacity of states to deliver on the development agenda promised the African electorate.

“Our vital resources are increasingly being diverted to put out the fire at various battle across Africa – from the Sahel, to the Oceans,” she said.

Mrs Buhari said it was in the face of these difficulties that women had proved their peculiar skills-set as peace agents in conflict situations although this role has largely been ignored.

The First Lady said accepting and integrating the unique experience, capability and particularity of women into all aspects of the peace and security sector was therefore essential for the success of each of the components of our peace efforts.

“To achieve this and other goals, the social, cultural and political barriers that limit women’s full participation in achieving sustainable peace should therefore be addressed with renewed tempo.

“Happily, follow-up UN Security Council Resolutions 2242 have provided for “measures and standards” with which to monitor the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security mandates”, among others,’’ the First Lady said.

The Minister of Women Affairs Mrs Pauline Tallen; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande and his wife; the wife of the Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Mrs Florence Egopija, Wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, wife of Plateau state Governor, Mrs Regina Lalong, were among those that attended the event.

Africa, EDUCATION FOR PEACE, United Nations, WOMEN'S EQUALITY, ,

Africa: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .
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A survey by CPNN

The following 74 events in 30 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.

About 52 events are listed on the maps of One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace, but 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 events in the Arab States .


Celebration in Monrovia, Liberia, with emphasis on women and youth’s role in mediation, conflict resolution, and early warning.

Here are excerpts from the articles.

AFRICAN UNION

The African Union (AU) Youth for Peace Africa Programme, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) have launched a serious game known as “Mission55 Conflict in Anaka”, to commemorate the International Day of Peace (Peace Day) 2022. The game, which the AU and GIZ developed, aims to raise awareness, educate and inform the public, particularly youth, on the mandate of the AU to promote good governance, peace and security in Africa.

BENIN, COTONOU

English International School. We celebrated World Peace We celebrated World Peace Day at school on Friday, 20th September.  Under beautiful skies, our march over to the school field was symbolic. Sitting down on the grass, in the formation of the peace symbol, we observed a minute of silence.  Some of the poems that the children wrote on that day are now on display in the school hall. (with photos)

BURKINA FASO, OUAGADOUGOU

The non-governmental organization (NGO) PAX celebrates, in collaboration with various structures, and for the first time, the Week of Peace in Burkina Faso. The climax of the commemoration will take place on September 21 with the “Night of Peace”, organized in collaboration with the NGO Diakonia, the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the Center for Democratic Governance (CGD) and the institutions and ministerial departments. This last activity will mobilize at least 300 people, equipped with lighted candles, who will stand around the monument to national heroes (located in Ouaga 2000) in a circle, they will carry out the During this sequence, the Monument to National Heroes will be illuminated with a play of lights with the sign “Peace”.

BURUNDI, BUGABIRA

As part of the celebration of the International Day of Peace, the Charles Nkazamyampi Foundation (CN Foundation), organized in collaboration with the representation of the European Union in Burundi, sports activities in Bugabira commune of the province of Kirundo. . . . Prizes were awarded. After the match between the Bugabira High School team and the Star FC team, prizes were awarded to the best athletes and players.

CAMEROON, DOUALA

Prelude to the International Day for Peace to be celebrated on September 21, some civil society organisations based in Douala have been meeting to sensitize the population on the importance of peace. The meeting that brought together civil society organizations including Peace Watch, Bringing Hearts Together amongst others was aimed at coming out on better ways on how to carry out sensitization campaign to push the peace agenda.

CAMEROON, YAOUNDÉ, ACTIVITIES FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS

The NGO Women International League for Peace and Freedom, with the support of the UN Women agency, organized a series of activities aimed at making the voices of women and girls heard in the country, on the occasion of this day that is celebrated this Wednesday, September 21, 2022. . . . During this day, the students took part in workshops led by the officials of this non-governmental organization, with the assistance of the public administrations involved in the education of young people.

CAMEROON, YAOUNDÉ, TOWN HALL

The Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Fousou, this September 21, 2022, presided over the ceremony of the 41st edition of the International Day of Peace, at the Yaounde Town Hall (Hotel de Ville). . . . During the ceremony, training certificates will be presented to the participants of the Ambassadors for Peace training worksops and a call for peace will be made by religious, traditional rulers and youth leaders.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, BANGASSOU

The city of Bangassou, like other cities in the Central African Republic, celebrated the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2022, under the theme “Ending racism, building peace”. A day organized by MINUSCA in collaboration with prefectural authorities, community leaders and civil society. . . . A football match was also played for the occasion. It opposed the staff of MINUSCA and young people from the three districts of the city of Bangassou. A match for cohesion and mutual acceptance.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, BANGUI, MINUSCA

In Bangui, activities to celebrate the International Day of Peace were organized by the National Council of Central African Youth, with the support of MINUSCA, announced during a press briefing broadcast on Radio Guira FM , Guy Karema, the communication officer at MINUSCA, pointing out that this year, Central African youth wanted to combine the celebration of International Youth Day, normally celebrated on August 12, with Peace Day, to make it a single celebration, dubbed: “Month of Youth and Peace in the Central African Republic”, under the theme: “Youth, peacebuilding, local governance and empowerment”.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, BANGUI, URU

As part of the holiday, which is celebrated on September 21, the non-governmental organization URU held a seminar for young Central Africans. For two days, the participants of the event discussed the principles of building and developing a peaceful state.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, OBO

The International Day of Peace was celebrated on September 21 in Obo in the presence of local and administrative authorities, community leaders and international and national organizations. This commemoration took place at the town hall of the city. (with audio podcast)

CHAD, KANEM

On September 21 of each year, the International Day of Peace is celebrated around the world. . . .On this day, the Association of Student Peace Ambassadors of Kanem in partnership with the PAMELOT / GIZ project is organizing a ceremony to celebrate this day.. . . In his opening remarks, the Secretary General of the Kanem Province SATADJIM SUCCÈS NOËL, representing the governor, stressed that this occasion challenges our collective conscience to achieve real peace. On the sidelines of this day, a mixing football match between the young people of the region will be organized.

CHAD, N’DJAMÉNA

The United Nations System Coordination Office in Chad and the Ministry in charge of National Reconciliation and Dialogue celebrated the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2022 in a hotel in N’Djamena. Placed under the theme “end racism, build peace”, this day which is celebrated today, began on Monday with mobilizations of Chadian society in favor of living together through artistic, cultural and literary activities, children and young people to express the urgency and the need for peaceful cohabitation.

COMORES

The International Day of Peace was celebrated in Ndzuani on Wednesday, September 21. The official ceremony took place in Dar-nadjah, the governorate palace of the island, in the presence of the governor and other personalities such as the Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania, or the Honorary Consul of the Comoros to the Ivory Coast. Several other representatives of public institutions and non-governmental organizations also took part. . . . On the sidelines of this celebration, a “memorandum of understanding on the promotion of communal peace and security”, was signed between NGO Salam and the association of Mayors of Ndzuani

CÔTE D’IVOIRE

“Côte d’Ivoire has chosen national cohesion”, declared Kouadio Konan Bertin, Minister of Reconciliation and National Cohesion, on the occasion of the International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21 each year. Before an audience of personalities, including Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, Minister of State, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, representing Prime Minister Patrick Achi, he said he was working to achieve a truly reconciled Côte d’Ivoire. . . . This ceremony was also enhanced by the presence of the American, Swiss, Gabonese, Egyptian, Chinese and Belgian ambassadors residing in Côte d’Ivoire. . . . The artistic note was provided by the humorous duo Zongo and Tao, and the group Les Galiets, who returned to Abidjan after ten years of exile.

CÔTE D’IVOIRE, BOUAKÉ

The representative of the prefect of the Gbêke region, invited the populations and particularly the young people, to a change of behavior in order to guarantee peace, a guarantee of development. It was this Wednesday, September 21 in Bouaké, on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Peace initiated by the APCI (Alliance for Peace in Côte d’Ivoire). This ceremony was marked by a conference delivered by the President of the National Youth Council on the theme: “The culture of freedom together for lasting peace and united youth”.

DR CONGO, LUCHA

On the occasion of the international day of peace, through peaceful demonstrations in Tshilenge, Beni, Kindu, Goma, Kisangani, Kananga, Tshikapa and Kinshasa, LUCHA is mobilizing to show its solidarity with the compatriots of Bunagana and other entities of the ‘East of our country living under occupation of the M23 and other armed groups . . . . LUCHA reiterated the call for the dismantling of MONUSCO, which is ineffective on the ground, as well as the end of the state of siege, which is unable to put an end to armed violence. In several cities, the demonstrations took place normally and the memorandum was read and deposited with the local authority. Nevertheless in Beni and Goma, it was fiercely repressed by the security services, which paradoxically do nothing against the attackers.

DR CONGO, LINGWALA, KINSHASA

Civil society organizations working in the protection of human rights and for the consolidation of peace, led by the spokesperson of the National Dynamics for Peace, Unity and Security (DYNUPS), Bénie Neze , on Wednesday invited the DRC government to provide the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) with the financial and logistical means to face the enemy and maintain peace across the country. It was during a sit-in in front of the People’s Palace, in the commune of Lingwala in Kinshasa, on the occasion of the International Day of Peace,

DR CONGO, KINSHASA, MONUSCO

On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21 each year, Monusco, through its Division of Strategic Communication and Public Information, in partnership with the club of Interuniversity Elites, organized a training and sharing session on September 21, 2022. It was at the Pullman Grand Hotel marquee, with the theme, at the international level: ”Ending racism. Building peace”. . . . Several great speakers took part in this conference.

DR CONGO, KINSHASA, WOMEN

The International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21 of each year, was an auspicious occasion in this year 2022, for the women of Kinshasa, grouped within the National Dynamics for Peace, Unity and Security (DYNUPS ), to demand peace throughout the national territory, in the East, in Ituri, in Kwamouth, etc. They organized a sit-in in front of the Congolese parliament, before submitting their Memorandum to the Office of the Speaker of the Lower House, Christophe Mbosso.

DR CONGO, KOLWEZI

Zambia and Congo DR are celebrating the peace day together in Kolwezi town in Congo DR.

DR CONGO, NORTH KIVU

The Provincial Youth Division of North Kivu organized a conference-debate this Wednesday, September 21, 2022 in the city of Goma, on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Peace. In an interview granted to 7SUR7.CD at the end of this activity, Guy Kibira Ndoole, head of this division, invited the young people of North Kivu to show solidarity in order to defeat the attempts to destabilize the country, with in particular the occupation of the town of Bunagana by M23 rebels. . . Peace is a rare commodity in the province of North Kivu in particular and generally in the East of the DRC. Many young people even enlist in armed groups and commit a significant number of crimes.

GABON, PORT-GENTIL

It is within the framework of the celebration of the International Day of Peace that the National Coordination of PAYNCoP Gabon organized the consultative workshop for young people on political and civic participation in Port-Gentil. This workshop is part of the project to support the civic and political participation of young people in Gabon . . . This activity was punctuated by two highlights: the formal phase and discussion workshops. During their exchanges, the young people were able to recall that ” The International Day of Peace makes it possible to sensitize the various actors on the need to preserve peace “. They will strive to sensitize other young people to cultivate this lasting peace in the country and to be ambassadors of peace, in Africa, as everywhere else.

GAMBIA

The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-The Gambia) with funding from the UN Peacebuilding Secretariat yesterday organised a stakeholders’ dialogue in commemoration of the International Day of Peace. . . . The event attracted key stakeholders including The Gambia Federation for the Disable and marginalised constituents of society. It was celebrated through a stakeholders’ dialogue, panel discussion, social media campaigns and peace pledges made by various stakeholders as a sign of their commitment to promote peace and fight discrimination and racism.

GHANA, LIONS CLUB

The District 418 Ghana of Lions Clubs International joins the world in commemorating the International Day of Peace by highlighting the importance of promoting the Peace Poster Contest for children in Ghana as a means of maintaining, sustaining peace and security.. . . .the Peace Poster Contest is open for registration now and over 600,000 children would be sharing their visions of peace through the art of painting. Children of age between 11 and 13 years from various schools can take part in this contest and there is also a prize to be won by the overall winner with some consolation prizes for all participants in the Peace Poster Contest

GHANA, ACCRA

FOCUS: Intl Peace Day. ACTION DETAILS: The administration of Union Internationale des Voyageurs UIV has established ongoing project to register the mechanism in the country starting from Ghana before the end of the year to enable us to work through partnerships and cover more locations in combating crime against mankind as terrorism war, conflicts, corruption and discrimination among societies and communities.

GHANA, KUMASI

Kumasi: World Peace Day marked with calls to eschew ethnocentrism.This year’s World Peace Day was observed under the theme, “Ending Ethnocentrism and Discrimination for Sustainable Peace” and brought together various faith-based organisations, youth wings of political parties, students of senior high schools and colleges of Education and civil society organisations. Participants discussed challenges and priorities to support their active participation in peace building with respect to diversity.

GUINEA, MAMOU

International Day of Peace | Citizens of Mamou express their messages of peace! to the microphone of Rarili News — “Peace must reign. (Alpha Ousmane Diallo) — “Long live peace, long live peace” (Monique) — “Life is hard right now, we would like this transition to end in good conditions. (Ismael Traoré) — “I would like there to be more peace and justice in the country, that is what is best for us, for peace in Guinea” (Mamadou Saidou Baldé)

GUINEA-BISSAU

Under the motto “Ending racism and building peace”, the National Civil Society Movement for Peace, Democracy and Development (MNSCPDD-GB), in collaboration with the Collective of Peace-Promoting Organizations, celebrated yesterday the “International Day of Peace ”, through the Declaration of Support for Peace in Guinea-Bissau. According to the organization, the country commemorates the date in a difficult context, marked by political cleavages and the collapse of the foundations of Guinean democracy.

KENYA, MALINDI

Due to the plight of the senior citizens, a number of humanitarian non-governmental organizations dedicated yesterday’s International Peace Day to the elders under siege, holding a peace walk to sensitize the public on the need to protect elders. They walked from the Malindi DCC’s office next to the County Assembly of Kilifi through Malindi town to Moi area of Sabaki Sub-Location, where 28 elders rescued from murderers are being housed by the Malindi District Cultural Association (MADCA). The murderers are hired to kill old persons suspected to be practicing necromancy.

KENYA, NAIROBI

CONTACT: Isaac Omondi. FOCUS: Intl Peace Day. ACTION DETAILS: We shall be organizing Football for Peace’One Day One Goal’. Additionally, there will be a clean-up in the locality to collect garbage from households and around the area.

LIBERIA, UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA

The Kofi Annan Institute for Conflict Transformation (KAICT) at the University of Liberia (UL) and its partners on Wednesday, 21 September 2022 held celebrations in observance of the International Day of Peace.KAICT held the program in collaboration with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated Liberia, and the Mano River Union on UL’s Capitol Hill campus. The event brought together several participants both national and international partners, to discuss the way forward for Liberia to maintain the peace it enjoys after nearly 14 years of civil war.

LIBERIA, MONROVIA

This year Liberia joined other countries of the world to celebrate the International Day of Peace, amidst social media reports of planned violence ahead of the 2023 General and Presidential elections. . . The celebration, supported by the UN Women and UNFPA, sought to raise awareness of the importance of sustaining the peace in the region and the Sahel with emphasis on women and youth’s role in mediation, conflict resolution, and early warning.

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Question related to this article:

What has happened this year (2022) for the International Day of Peace?

(Survey continued from left column)

LIBERIA, TARR TOWN

On the 21st September 2022, LEGAL/ SoSNoL Celebrate World International Peace Day with Tarr Town Local Community Structure to launch the community Watch Group to see that Safety and Security will be in Tarr Town Community.

MALAWI, LILONGWE

ORGANIZATION: Center for Enlightenment and Development – DATES PLANNED: September 23, September 25, October 2 – ACTION DETAILS:”EMPOWER WOMEN WITH KNOWLEDGE TO END GBV AT ALL LEVELS” We target young women to fully understand their rights and how they can form Nonviolence circles to spread the message. All women influential community leaders and professionals have been invited to demonstrate how important it is to have women know their rights. Young women from different colleges are preparing different activities to showcase how nonviolence brings harmony and peace of mind.

MALI, BAMOKO

The Board of Directors of the School of Peacekeeping, Alioune Blondin BEYE (EMP-ABB), composed of 11 member countries and ECOWAS countries, celebrated the International Day of Peace, Wednesday, September 21, 2022 , at the Peacekeeping School, Alioune Blondin BEYE in Bamako. . . . After the opening ceremony, a tree dedicated to Peace was planted in the middle of the EMP-ABB, by all the officials, panelists and participants in this day whose objective is to evaluate the doctrines and approaches governing the Peace Operations, faced with the complexity of the current environment. Two panels, as well as cultural and sporting activities were on the menu for this day

MAURITIUS, BRAHMA KUMARIS

Calendar of events organized by the Brahma Kumaris Mauritius in the context of the International Day of Peace 2022

MAURITIUS, MAHEBOURG

This year, the theme is to combati inequalities, racism, discrimination and intolerance that exist in all societies. In Mauritius, the Emmanuel Anquetil SSS college is launching this initiative with the aim of instilling these values in young people.

MAURITIUS, PORT LOUIS

In the context of the International Day of Peace, celebrated every September 21, the Cardinal Jean Margéot Institute organized a conference-debate on Monday September 05, 2022. The resulting resolution demanded the authorities, inter alia, to pursue and intensify efforts to combat any systemic violence within the Republic of Mauritius, by consolidating a national education system aimed at promoting the integral human development of the Mauritian child; to contain situations and conditions that lead to violence against girls and women; and to tackle, the poverty and misery that still plague the lives of tens of thousands of citizens of the Republic.

MAURITIUS, MORCELLEMENT ST. ANDRÉ

As part of the International Day of Peace, around twenty associations from the Morcellement St. André region and surrounding schools took part in a collective march aimed at promoting peace. The Vice-President of the Republic and the Minister of Labor also took part.

NIGER

Like the international community, Niger celebrated the International Day of Peace this Wednesday, September 21, 2022 under the theme “Ending racism. building peace”. It is the High Authority for the Consolidation of Peace (HACP) which had the honor of organizing this event at the General Seyni Kountché stadium with the support of its partners including the UNDP and the Peace building fund (PBF). Several sports and cultural activities were on the program.

NORTHERN STATES OF NIGERIA

The Network of Peace Journalists in Northern Nigeria has mobilised over 100,000 Citizens and Journalists to mark the 2022 World Peace Day through creative initiatives in Nigeria. Ahead of the 21st September 2022 event, the Network under Interfaith Mediation Center Kaduna and Mercy Corp said it’s doing this through Social media and other broadcast stations on the need to boost the ‘Christian and Muslims relationship’ across the 19 Northern States of Nigeria. The media organisation also has plans to take Peace campaigns to schools, communities, markets and football view centres. “We are going to use Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to educate youths on the role of promoting peaceful co-existence and religious tolerance among different faith base organisations.”

NIGERIA, ABUJA, ECOWAS

Dr Omar Touray who is the President of the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS), has made an open call for some more stakeholders’ collaboration which would be geared towards the promotion of peace, equality and the process of ending racism as well. The president made the call at an occasion which had been marking the World Peace Day and the launching of a documentary on the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework, (ECPF), at the ECOWAS commission, yesterday in Abuja.

NIGERIA, ABUJA, NATIONAL DEFENSE COLLEGE

The National Secondary Schools Security Awareness Programme was organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) on Wednesday in Abuja. The programme was in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser, NDC and Ufuk Dialogue to commemorate the 2022 International Day of Peace.. . . .The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 15 secondary schools comprising nine public and six private schools in FCT were selected for the programme. A student each from the schools made presentation on peace during the event.

NIGERIA, ABUJA, SUSO

Speak Up, Stand Out (SUSO) Project Nigeria on Friday called for support for youths to be drivers  of the implementation process of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda in the country. Mr Rafiu Lawal, a SUSO activist, made the call at a news conference to commemorate the International Day of Peace with the theme “End Racism, Build Peace” in Abuja.

NIGERIA, ANAMBRA STATE

The 2022 World Peace Day Celebration took place Friday September 23 at the United Nations Peace and Positive Living Awareness Center with culture of peace awareness, peace awards, appointments, investitures and paper presentations.

NIGERIA, BENIN CITY

Faculty of Peace Organisation will be hosting its Annual World Peace Day conference on the 21st of September, 2022 and it will be held in Benin City, Edo State.

NIGERIA, CALABAR

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has stressed the need for politicians to eschew all forms of hate speeches and violence ahead of the 2023 general elections. Mr Samuel Fadeyi, the Cross River Commandant of the corps, gave the advice on Wednesday in Calabar during a peace walk to commemorate the 2022 International Day of Peace.

NIGERIA, CROSS RIVER

Cross Riverians have been urged to conduct themselves peacefully before, during, and after the forthcoming general election. The State Technical Committee of the Vote Not Fight, Election No Be War campaign made the call during a press briefing to mark the 2022 International Peace Day. (with video)

NIGERIA, DUTSE

NSCDC state commandant, Musa Alhaji Malah led the officers and men of the command to a peace walk across the streets of Dutse, the Jigawa State capital in commemoration of the International Peace Day, 2022.

NIGERIA, EFFURUN

A humanitarian-driven non-governmental organisation, Shadrack Agediga Foundation, SAF, on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, joined the rest of the world to mark the ‘International Day of Peace’. . . . The celebration took place at Canewood Hotel, Effurun, Delta state with a lecture delivered by Professor Andy Atare Otite. He spoke on the theme: End Ethnic Intolerance And Build Peace.

NIGERIA, EGBEDA

THE National Association of Seadogs, NAS, also known as Pyrates Confraternity, has called for an end to racism and ethnocentrism. The Cap’n of Hawkins Deck in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Mr Shola Ajayi, made the call during a roundtable discourse to mark the 2022 International Day of Peace.

NIGERIA, KADUNA STATE

As the International Day of Peace is celebrated worldwide, Kaduna state Governor Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i has advocated for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections. He made the call at an event organised by the Kaduna state peace commission to commemorate the 2022 international day of peace in Kaduna.

NIGERIA, LAGOS

ORGANIZATION: Peace Mindset Ambassadors. FOCUS: Intl Peace Day, Racial Justice. ACTION DETAILS: Building a community of peacemakers- Bringing people from different spheres of influence to create a culture of Peace.

NIGERIA, OYO STATE

The Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Tuesday, marked the International Day of Peace in all the Local Government Areas in the state.
The event took place in schools and marketplaces to sensitise citizens on the importance of embracing peace, as well as tolerating one another in society, for sustainable development and to move the nation forward.

NIGERIA, PLATEAU STATE

Community and religious leaders in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State have agreed to live in peace and harmony, eschew all forms of bitterness and rancour, and push for the advancement of the state and the nation in general. The leaders made the pledge when the Christian Rural Development Associations (CRUDAN) commemorated the International Day for Peace. . . . Highlights of the event were songs presentation, drama, and short display by Christian and Muslim leaders to emphasise the significance of peace in the world.

NIGERIA, SANGO-OTA

Dr. Kelicha Ochonogor, has urged Nigerians to shun discrimination and embrace peaceful co-existence. She made this call to commemorate the 2022 International World Peace Day, held at Covenant University Sango-Ota, Ogun State. . . . Ochonogor unveiled her new book, “United Nations partnership with God”. . . . She stated that the book was published to project harmony and partnership amongst people.

NIGERIA, TARABA STATE

 The Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly, Professor Joseph Albasu Kunini has reiterated the importance of peace, stating that it is an inevitable part of every society and no nation, no matter how great, can progress without peace. Kunin,i said this on Tuesday in a message to mark this year’s International Day of Peace.

NIGERIA UYO

It was a gathering of great minds from all walks of life earlier today at Onyema Ugochukwu Auditorium, Town Campus University of Uyo, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital as great scholars assembled to mark this year’s world peace day. In his opening address, the President of Peace International Interdisciplinary Research Institute (PIIRI) said that the 2022nd International Peace Day Conference was organized to  provide a premier interdisciplinary platform for participants to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, concerns, practical challenges and recommend solutions for adoption in the field of Global Peace and Security for sustainable development of a better society and the world at large.

REUNION, LA LIGUE DES DROITS DE L’HOMME

This Tuesday, September 21, 2022, the League of Human Rights in Reunion mobilized against racism and discrimination. A total of ten people were present. This year, the theme of this day is to “end racism”. (with video)

REUNION, CHAMPS FLEURI

In a press release, the Réunionnais Movement for Peace, the Human Rights League, the Réunion-Palestine Solidarity Association and the Chagos-Réunion Solidarity Committee invite all those who wish to come together and take action. to speak, this Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at 5.30 p.m., at the Human Rights Square, in Champ Fleuri.

REUNION, MAHÉ DE LABOURDONNAIS

This September 21, the day of peace is celebrated around the world. For this event, students from the 5th Kahlo carried out this work. We therefore invite you to view this video in the hope that peace spreads around you.

RWANDA

Speaker of Parliament Donatille Mukabalisa has urged youth to stand up and fight hate speech and Genocide ideology in the quest to build sustainable peace and unity. She was speaking at a youth parliamentary dialogue organised by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagements (MINUBUMWE) working together with Never Again Rwanda (NAR) and partners. The dialogue was organised in line with the celebration of the International Day of Peace which is observed every year on September 21. It brought together over 500 participants including youths from different districts, parliamentarians, peacebuilding actors, policymakers, and development partners to discuss strategies and approaches to uphold unity as they tackle hate speech in different forms as a hindrance to Rwandan unity.

SIERRA LEONE

As Sierra Leone joins the world in commemorating the International Day of Peace yesterday 21st September, 2022, the country’s two main political parties,the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) have committed to upholding peace. His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio expressed his government’s commitment to peace, citing the Bintumani-III Conference as one which was inclusive and provided the opportunity for citizens and stakeholders to voice their frustration about the failure of governments to fulfil the recommendations of the 2004 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report.

SOUTH AFRICA, CAPETOWN

At the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) celebrated the eighth anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit. Building a Culture of Peace as Global Citizens was the event’s theme. . . . The occasion began with a speech of congratulations from Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe, chair of the City of Cape Town’s Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security, who stated that the city is dedicated to creating peace and a society free from ongoing fear and anxiety.

SOUTH SUDAN, JUBA

In South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation and a place where the quest for sustainable peace is very much ongoing, International Peace Day, that special day to reiterate the wish for global harmony to rein supreme between and within countries, is likely to mean more than in most other locations. An indication of that significance could be found at the Nyakuron Cultural Centre in the capital: Most everyone with a say in the future of South Sudan was present. A list of them would include First Vice President Riek Machar and numerous other senior government officials, diplomats, a myriad of international entities, national civil society organizations, representatives for women and youth, and, most importantly, ordinary citizens craving that elusive peace more than most.

SOUTH SUDAN, COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

The South Sudan Council of Churches joined South Sudan in celebrating the day with the THEME “End Ethnic Discrimination; Build Peace in Diversity.” . . . Eighty participants from different sectors graced the International Day of Peace celebrations at ECS guest house, i.e., church, youth peace ambassadors, women peace committee, women link, partners, and church leader Rev. Canon Emmanuel Nattania.

TANZANIA, ZANZIBAR

ORGANIZATION: Zanzibar Peace, Truth & Transparency Association (ZPTTA NGO) – NUMBER OF PLANNED ACTIONS: 4

TOGO, WANEP

As part of the International Day of Peace, celebrated every September 21, 2022, the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-TOGO), with the help of its financial partner UNDP-Togo, is organizing a series of community dialogues from the 21 to September 23 in 6 municipalities in the Savannah and Maritime regions. On the program, actions to raise awareness of the values and foundations of peace; distribution of kits to 23 groups of young people and women; radio broadcasts and transmission of advocacy topics to local authorities.

TOGO, LOMÉ, CNDH

As part of the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) organized on September 21, 2022 at the Maison des Jeunes d’Amandahomé in Lomé, an awareness-raising meeting on aimed at young people from the Gulf and AgoèNyivé prefectures. The meeting focused on the theme: “Contribution of young people to the consolidation of peace”. It was organized in partnership with the National Youth Council (CNJ),

TOGO, LOMÉ, DEBATE

The Ministry of Grassroots Development, Youth and Youth Employment organized, on Wednesday September 21 in Lomé, a conference-debate with youth leaders around the theme “Strengthening social cohesion to build peace”. It is part of the activities of the International Day of Peace observed every September 21st. 

UGANDA, KAMPALA

Prospective City of Peace in Kampala during the International Peace Day celebrations.

UGANDA, LIRA CITY

ORGANIZATION: Facilitation for Integrated Community Rural Development – FOCUS: Intl Peace Day – ACTION DETAILS: Peace Marching campaigns in Lira City, Uganda

WESTERN SAHARA, UN MISSION

On 21 September, MINURSO celebrated the International Day of Peace under this year theme: “End Racism, Build Peace”. MINURSO personnel at the Mission HQ in Laayoune, Tindouf Liaison Office and the Teams Sites west and east of the berm commemorated the Day raising the UN flag. A military parade was held at MINURSO HQ in the presence of the SRSG Alexander Ivanko alongside the senior officers as well as MINURSO civilian and military personnel. SRSG read the Secretary-General’s message on the occasion, recalling particularly that “peace is a noble and necessary pursuit, and the only practical pathway to a better, fairer world for all people.”

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Gabon: Project to support the civic and political participation of young people

. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION .

An article by Jerry Bibang, special to CPNN

The Pan-African Youth Network for the Culture of Peace, Gabon section (PAYNCoP Gabon) organized last weekend in Oyem, “A consultative workshop on the civic and political participation of young people in Gabon”. The activity took place on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Democracy, celebrated on September 15 each year.

After Franceville in the province of Haut-Ogooué (East Gabon), Oyem in the province of Woleu-Ntem (North Gabon) was the second city to host these consultative workshops which are part of the initiative entitled “Project to support the civic and political participation of young people in Gabon.”

The activity was supported by the presence of the Provincial Governor, Mr. Jules NDJEKI, who officially launched the work, in the presence of about fifty participants, from civil society organizations and political parties, both majority and opposition.

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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?

(continued from left column)

The initiative, supported by the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) in partnership with UNESCO, aims to encourage the civic and political participation of young people in Gabon, especially before, during and after the elections.

“Initially this workshop will make a diagnosis of the civic and political participation of young people in order to identify the challenges and obstacles relating to their participation. Then, it will be up to the participants to find possible solutions by making recommendations in order to improve the participation of young people in politics and also in civil society organizations. The objective is to place young people as ACTOR and not SPECTATOR in the life of their community and our country,” explained Jerry Bibang, project coordinator.

For Rachel Oyane, President of the Provincial Youth Council, “Holding this workshop coinciding with the celebration of the International Day of Democracy. It challenges us to see that democracy is not a completed process, but rather an evolving work. which involves all actors in society. In particular civil society organizations have an increasingly important role to play. It is in this sense that we welcome, once again, this project which gives voice to young people in order to reflect on the mechanisms and measures that can improve our civic and political participation”

After these consultation workshops, PAYNCoP is planning an advocacy campaign with public authorities as well as raising awareness on violence and hate speech during the election period. Training and capacity building are also planned for young people engaged in political life and in associations.

After this stage, Port-Gentil and Libreville are the next cities that will host these workshops.

Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

The “Fihavanana” of Madagascar: corruption or culture of peace?

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

Translated and edited for CPNN from a post of July 30, 2022 on Blogger.com.

We will not stop repeating it, we must fight against corruption before corruption fights against us. Because not to act is to approve and to approve it amounts to showing non-assistance to a country in danger. And as corruption becomes a way of life on the Big Island, more and more people are pointing the finger at Fihavanana.

In its traditional use Fihavanana is a Malagasy cultural concept based on mutual aid that maintains a culture of peace and harmony by avoiding or resolving family disagreements, in the neighborhood or across the country.


Photo from the article The Fihavanana: Myths and Realities of a Value that Guarantees Social Peace

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

Question for this article:

Opposing tax havens and corruption: part of the culture of peace?

It’s a big problem that this collective way of thinking is now in the service of corruption. It threatens to lobotomize the Malagasy at the cost of a common value.

Mutual aid is being diverted towards bribes; officials in charge receive compensation to make procedures more flexible or to make requests favorable. The bribes are justified by the desire to maintain the “Fihavanana”. It is no longer even a question of avoiding disagreements, they will rather use it to make favoritism, priority to acquaintances in the neighborhood. Who care about skill and effort! Positions and places will go first to family members. It is nepotistic “Fihavanana”.

Some go so far as to falsify data to favor their relatives, risk their work for corruption. But ironically, is it really better to lose money than to lose family as the Malagasy proverb says?

The blame should not be on the “Fihavanana” but in the use that one makes of it. A culture of peace cannot be harmful. But a fight against corruption is necessary so that the “Fihavanana” regains its traditional meaning instead of corrupting a national value, a culture that characterizes Madagascar. And even if the country has made some progress by going from 149th in 2020 to 147th in 2021 on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), the fight is even becoming cultural.

(Thank you to Jay Ralitera for sending this article to CPNN)

Africa, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Madagascar: The Massive Awakening of the Youth of Toamasina

TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article by Violette Ralalatiana (with two additions in italic by the CPNN editor for clarity)

The young people of Toamasina have taken their responsibility in the face of the unrest that threatens security.

Toamasina is one of the cities with the most insecurity, including burglaries and armed attacks. Many neighborhoods have suffered from these troubles, including Ambalakisoa, Verrerie, Tanambao V, etc. The inhabitants of the city of Tamatave thus live day and night in anxiety.


Young people of Ambalakisoa gathered during the curfew

The governor with the chief of the police and the gendarmerie then appealed to the chiefs of the Fonkontany (basic administrative subdivision in Madagascar) to confer on the establishment of a curfew or “andrimaso-pokonolona” in each district in order to ensure the peace. After that, the presidents of Fokontany brought together residents under their jurisdiction to discuss the feasibility of this curfew. It is really important to establish peace for the well-being of all and to have the assurance of sustainable development. There is a famous saying that says “There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development”.

(This article is continued in the column on the right.)

(Click here for the original article in French.)

Question related to this article:

Is there a renewed movement of solidarity by the new generation?

(This article is continued from the column on the left.)

Young people are the most active participants in the curfews. It is clear that they are aware of the seriousness of the situations. This motivates them to get involved in restoring humanitarian security. This is a good thing for the nation, because the Malagasy population is overwhelmingly young, 62%. They are the lever of development of our country. As these young people have done let us now stop complaining and take action. Let us take our share of responsibility for our future so that the development of our country is truly sustainable and that effective peace finally reigns.

Young people in the face of election-related unrest

For a very long time, young people have often been used by politicians or other people who want to sow conflict (such as the general strike after the 2002 elections). As young people, instead of being tools of conflict, let us try to be vectors of peace. Youth participation in peacebuilding brings us conservation, peacebuilding and national security.

There are many things that can happen before, during and after the election. And young people are in high demand. According to the testimonies collected, there are more and more young people aware of the conflicts that can arise during these periods. So they avoid arguments although they support different political parties. For them, it is the ideas that must fight and not the people.

Other young people decide not to support any political party but prefer to join an organization that works for the election like the KMF/CNOE. They integrate into this organization so that they can make their contributions to the election by raising awareness among Malagasy citizens to vote, because it is a right and an obligation too. And they take part as observers to see if fraud has been committed and to ensure that the election is going as it should.

All of this is really important, because it would be unfortunate if an electoral conflict like the general strike of January 2002 should happened again. Despite our diversity, let us always keep the peace.

(Thank you to Jay Ralitera for sending this article to CPNN)

Africa, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Albinos: “Human rights apply to them too!!! “

. . HUMAN RIGHTS . .

An article by Rijanirina J. Randrianandrasana

A 6-year-old child, his lifeless and mutilated body, was found in the town of Berano in Amboasary on March 4, 2022. Another 4-year-old (See minutes 11-13 of the report), but with a less tragic outcome, kidnapped in Ambilobe, is located and found by the police in Tuléar with his kidnappers on July 21. What these two children have in common is that… they are people in Madagascar with albinism.

Albinism is a congenital, rare and non-contagious hereditary disease, caused by the absence of a pigment, affecting both men and women, regardless of their origin. Under international human rights law, people living with albinism are considered persons with disabilities.

However, these people are ostracized. They are often subject to direct and indirect discrimination, particularly in the areas of health, education and work. Attacks on people with albinism can vary from verbal aggression to physical aggression.. Wrong beliefs and superstitions endanger their lives and safety.

The attitude of society towards them has not changed and these people and their families are still at risk of being attacked. This is contradicted by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified in 1976, that stipulates that every human has the right to life and that this right is protected by law (Part III, art. 6.1) and that everyone has the right to freedom and security (art. 9.1).

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(click here for the original article in French.)

Question related to this article:

How can we protect the human rights of persons with disabilities?

(continued from left column)

But the worst part is that we are all responsible for these atrocities. We, their classmates, harass them with our words and gestures. We, co-workers, devalue them given their handicap situations even if this hardly defines their aptitudes. We, their own family, are ashamed of the appearance of one of our own. We, members of society, remain silent in the face of these insults and violence. We, the decision-makers, do nothing to improve their living conditions by establishing adequate supports. We are all guilty because we do not act properly.

But, fortunately, all is not lost. We can fight against forms of violence, discrimination and stigmatization towards people with albinism. Due to their alarming situation, it is essential to make certain changes so that they can enjoy the same rights as others. The right to equality and non-discrimination does not mean that everyone must always be treated the same; sometimes distinctions have to be made. Thus, we have a duty to sensitize society on the rights of these people and to abolish discrimination and violence against them.

It is not too late for us, discriminating, ignorant people, profiteers, traffickers, to become agents of change and to organize ourselves to protect people with albinism; The fight has only just begun!!! With that, we’ll end this article with the quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “We can never know what the results of our actions will be.” But if we do nothing, we will get no results. »

Bibliography

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL & OSISA. (2021). Promoting & Protecting the Human Rights of Persons with Albinism: A Handbook for National Human Rights Institutions. Amnesty International Ltd.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL. (2016, March 8). Urgent action: Malawi, danger for people with albinism.

DIDR-OFPRA. (2018, May 14). People living with albinism. Democratic Republic of Congo.

(Thank you to Jay Ralitera for sending this article to CPNN)

Africa, HUMAN RIGHTS,

Nigeria: Reps Push For ‘Silence The Guns’ Implementation

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article by Philip Nyam in New Telegraph

The House of Representatives recently passed a resolution calling on the executive to immediately implement the “silence the guns” peace policy of the African Union (AU). PHILIP NYAM reviews the roadmap

Worried by growing conflicts and widespread insecurity across the continent, the African Union met in Lusaka, Zambia in 2016 and drew a master roadmap of practical steps to silence guns in Africa by the year 2020. Six years after, the implementation of the roadmap titled “Lusaka Master Roadmap 2016” has been beset by challenges and Nigeria, the biggest black nation on earth is yet to fully integrate the policy.

It was in view of this that the House of Representatives last month passed a resolution to impress on the government to speed up the process of its implementation. The House resolution came barely after the meeting of the African Union Commission in Lusaka, Zambia, between June 6 and 8 brought together participants from the relevant departments of the AU Commission, Divisions within the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, representatives from RECS/RMs, representatives of the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL), African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) and Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) and representatives of AUC partners supporting silencing the guns project such as the UN Department of Political and Peace-building Affairs.

The meeting finalised an implementation plan that will guide the operationalisation of the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework of the AU Master Roadmap Silencing the Guns AU and Regional Economic Communities converge to finalise the implementation plan and road map on practical steps to silence the guns in Africa. This is in addition to adopting the terms of reference of an AURECs/ RMs Steering Committee on Silencing the Guns. The meeting also agreed on the establishment of the Steering Committee including the relevant departments of the AUC and focal points/officers in each REC/RM to follow up and coordinate activities related to the STG Initiative.

It also served as a collaborative platform to facilitate regular exchanges between the AU, RECs/RMs, Civil Society Organisations, academia, the private sector and other stakeholders that have a role to play in the implementation of the Silencing the Guns Master Roadmap. Explaining why the implementation had to be postponed from 2020 to 2030, the Coordinator of Silencing the Guns under the Political Affairs, Peace and Security at the African Union Commission, Mr. Advelkader Araoua, said that “the extension of the life span of the AU master roadmap on practical steps to silence the guns in Africa to the year 2030, is a test of our ability to deliver on our commitments to free the African continent from wars, civil conflicts, humanitarian crises, human rights violations, gender-based violence, and genocide.” Also, the Head of Governance, Peace and Security at the COMESA Secretariat, Ms. Elizabeth Mutunga stressed the need to continuously assess the external environment in developing an implementation plan for the monitoring and evaluation.

“Emerging and unpredictable factors, that have not necessarily originated from our region are having a very big impact on the peace, conflict and security dynamics of our region,” she noted. The motion It was after the meeting that the House of Representatives passed a resolution pushing for the implementation of the roadmap. In a motion titled “Need to adopt and implement the “Silencing the Guns” Road Map, Hon. Ahmed Munir noted that “Silencing the Guns 2030” is a flagship roadmap project adopted in Lusaka, Zambia in 2016 by the African Union with the aim of realising a Conflict-Free Africa by the year 2030. He said that the concept of silencing the guns was borne out of the observation that the African Continent is the scene of numerous violent conflicts that make the desired economic and political integration of the continent difficult. As part of the AU’s Agenda 2063, the AU sought to ensure that Africa is characterised by peace, political tolerance and good governance.

Hon. Munir expressed concerns that initially, the roadmap was to be achieved by 2020 of which the continent fell short and the goal was further extended to 2030 “cognisant that peace and security matters across Africa are interwoven and the continent cannot afford to further miss the 2030 set target.” In adopting the motion, which was unanimously endorsed, the House urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to fully embrace the report and ensure relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA’s) key into the roadmap. The lawmakers also urged the office of the National Security Adviser to fully adopt the report and cascade it down to other relevant security agencies.

Synopsis of the roadmap

The African Union Master Roadmap of practical steps to silence guns in Africa by the year 2020 better known as the Lusaka Master Roadmap 2016 entails the following. The continuing insecurity, instability, disruption of political harmony, erosion of social cohesion, destruction of the economic fabric and public despondency in various parts of Africa call on the Peace and Security Council (PSC) to play a locomotive role in spearheading strategic interventions to put this sad situation to an end.

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Question related to this article:

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

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Most crises and violent conflicts in Africa are being driven by poverty, economic hardships, violation or manipulation of constitutions, violation of human rights, exclusion, inequalities, marginalisation and mismanagement of Africa’s rich ethnic diversity, as well as relapses into the cycle of violence in some post-conflict settings and external interference in African affairs. Undoubtedly, these challenges can be overcome, as long as the correct remedies are idenpletified and applied.

It is in this context that the PSC convened a Retreat that was dedicated to the theme: Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa by the Year 2020, from 7 to 9 November 2016, in Lusaka, Zambia. The Retreat regrouped the PSC Member States, representatives of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), the AU Commission, Regional Economic Communities/ Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (RECs/RMs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) and the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA).

This was all the more urgent given the central thrust of Agenda 2063 and the overall AU Vision of building a peaceful, stable, secure, integrated and prosperous Africa, and the essence of Agenda 2030 on sustainable development goals. Notably, the 4th aspiration of Agenda 2063, which is the African Union’s strategic framework for socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next five decades, highlights the need for dialoguecentred conflict prevention, as well as the management and resolution of existing conflicts, with a view to silencing the guns in our Continent by the Year 2020. Agenda 2063 provides that in order to achieve sustainable conflict prevention and resolution, a culture of peace and tolerance must be cultivated and nurtured in our children and youth, among others, through peace education.

Furthermore, in its first 10 years implementation plan, Agenda 2063 stresses the imperative of ending all wars, civil conflicts, gender-based violence and violent conflicts and prevent genocide, as part of Africa’s collective efforts to silence the guns in the continent by the year 2020. In organising the retreat, the PSC was inspired and guided by the clarion call in the OAU/AU 50th Anniversary Solemn Declaration adopted by the AU Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa on 26 May 2013, in which they, among other aspects, expressed their “determination to achieve the goal of a conflict-free Africa, to make peace a reality for all our people and to rid the continent of wars, civil conflicts, human rights violations, humanitarian disasters and violent conflicts, and to prevent genocide.”

The PSC’s resolutions further read: “We pledge not to bequeath the burden of conflicts to the next generation of Africans and undertake to end all wars in Africa by 2020. In this regard, we undertake to address the root causes of conflicts, including economic and social disparities; put an end to impunity by strengthening national and continental judicial institutions, and ensure accountability in line with our collective responsibility to the principle of non-indifference.

“We undertake to eradicate recurrent and address emerging sources of conflict including piracy, trafficking in narcotics and humans, all forms of extremism, armed rebellions, terrorism, transnational organized crime and new crimes such as cybercrime; push forward the agenda of conflict prevention, peace-making, peace support, national reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction and development through the African Peace and Security Architecture; as well as, ensure enforcement of and compliance with peace agreements and build Africa’s peacekeeping and enforcement capacities through the African Standby Force.

“We will maintain a nuclear-free Africa and call for global nuclear disarmament, nonproliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy; ensure the effective implementation of agreements on landmines and the non-proliferation of small arms and light weapons; address the plight of internally displaced persons and refugees and eliminate the root causes of this phenomenon by fully implementing continental and universal frameworks.”

In conceiving practical steps to silence the guns in Africa by the year 2020, the PSC took into consideration the political history of the African continent, which has been marred particularly by three major tragedies, namely, slavery, colonization and the unpaid extraction/ exploitation of natural resources, which have created a huge burden for Africa and its people. The end of slavery at the end of the 19th century and the fall of colonialism under the weight of protracted nationalist and liberation struggles across the continent ushered in a new era in Africa.

However, the new era is faced with a myriad of challenges that the continent has not yet been able to successfully overcome. The cycle of violent conflicts and disruptive crises persist on the continent, so do situations of relapses back into the cycle of violence and destruction for some countries that were perceived to have already emerged from conflicts. It is therefore critically important for Africa and its people to put in place strategic guidelines for addressing these challenges.

In some instances, the African continent has also not been able to foster and manage effective political transitions, partly due to the fact that the erstwhile liberation movements have taken too long to transform themselves into dynamic governing political parties, which could more successfully adapt to operating in pluralistic democratic societies as agents of political discourse and crucial facilitators rather than act as a stumbling block to any democratic dispensation.

Similarly, failures to transform some of the military wings of some of the liberation movements into professional and disciplined national armies, which pledge loyalty to civilian government regardless of the political party in power, have brought problems to some parts of Africa. All of these facts have stifled serious attempts to silence the guns in Africa.

Yet, peace, security and socio-economic development should be pursued simultaneously. Equally challenging is the task of sustaining transitions from war to peace and to prevent relapses. This is why the AU PSC developed a Master Roadmap of realistic, practical, time-bound implementable steps to silence the guns in Africa by 2020.

The master Roadmap is premised on the principle that Africa should take, assume total responsibility for its destiny. Assuming such responsibility should also take into account the fact that, while appropriate decisions and programmes have been adopted with a view to resolving some of the challenges Africa is faced with, there has been encroachment on some of those decisions by the implementation deficit.

Africa, DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Gabon: Women’s Commitment to Health and Sanitation in the Province Woleu-Ntem

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY .

An article for CPNN by Jerry Bibang (translation by CPNN)

The Pan-African Youth Network for the Culture of Peace, Gabon section (PAYNCoP Gabon) launched, on Wednesday August 03, in Oyem, in the north of Gabon, the project “Women’s Commitment to Health and Sanitation in the Province Woleu-Ntem”.

The initiative supported by the Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sports of the Francophonie (CONFEJES) and the Town Hall of the municipality of Oyem is part of a vast program of CONFEJES entitled Woman – Sport – Health .

Its general objective is to encourage women to practice physical and sports activities as well as environmental protection, according to Rachel Oyane, member of the project team.

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(Click here for the original French version.)

Questions for this article

Prospects for progress in women’s equality, what are the short and long term prospects?

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The initiative, which targets 200 women in the province of Woleu-Ntem, is based on three main activities, in particular an awareness campaign on the benefits of sport for women, a walk with the collection of plastic waste, a fitness session and a provincial women’s football tournament which will engage women from Woleu-Ntem province in northern Gabon, said Jerry Bibang, the project coordinator.

After the launch in Oyem, our team will crisscross the municipalities of Mitzic, Minvoul and Bitam for the implementation of these various activities which primarily concern women who do not have regular physical and sports activity, explained Jimmy Thalès ONDO, also a member of the project team.

The objective is to get them to understand the benefits of sport, in particular the fight against certain diseases, but also the need to keep their environment clean, hence the activity of walking and collecting plastic waste.

For the Town Hall of Oyem, represented by the 4th deputy mayor, Mrs. Angue Owono Françoise, the initiative is in line with the vision of the municipal council of the town of Oyem which is to make the provincial capital of Woleu-Ntem a beautiful town. and clean, in accordance with the will of the highest authorities of the country. This project is a real opportunity to encourage women to get involved in the fight for healthy lifestyles and for the practice of physical and sports activities. The town hall, under the leadership of Mayor Christian Abessolo Menguey, will reflect on how to continue these activities even beyond the project, she said.

The implementation of this project follows a call for applications, launched by CONFEJES to public organizations and civil society at the pan-African level. Out of 79 applications, only 14 were selected. The PAYNCoP Gabon project was ranked 4th best project by an international jury.

Africa, WOMEN'S EQUALITY