Tag Archives: Africa

Burkina Faso Center Region: 96 hours of activities for the culture of peace

.. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION ..

An article by E.K. Samboé in Le Faso (translation by CPNN)

“Culture of peace, prevention and management of crises; guarantees of sustainable social cohesion ”. This is the theme of the 3rd edition of the “96 hours of the Center region.” The festivities were launched in Ouagadougou on October 1, 2020 by a panel organized at the Burkinabè Shippers Council (CBC). An opportunity for participants to reflect on the issues of the day, in particular peace, crisis prevention and management, social cohesion, etc.


For the governor of the Center region, Sibiri de Issa Ouédraogo, “the 96 hours intend to establish a period of reflection and action around ways and means for strengthening social cohesion in the Center region”.

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(Click here for the article in French)

Questions for this article:

The culture of peace at a regional level, Does it have advantages compared to a city level?

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The panelists, composed of historians, anthropologists and civil society actors, proposed solutions to strengthen social cohesion during the discussions. For the governor, “by dealing with social cohesion, this panel will put us on the need to unite for a useful whole, in order to fight against the scourges which hamper the peace of the populations and the harmonious development of our region”.

At the end of the panel, the governor expects the participants to work for a peaceful social climate, in order to contribute to the economic and social development of the Central region. But also, that they be ambassadors of social cohesion with the various parts of the population.

Diffa, Niger: Launch of an awareness campaign to strengthen the participation of women and young people in intercommunity dialogue

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY .

An article by Mato Adamou in News a Niamey (translation by CPNN)

On Tuesday, September 29, 2020, there was a launching ceremony of the awareness campaign to strengthen the participation of women and young people in the various inter-community dialogue frameworks and to facilitate the consideration of their specific needs. This ceremony took place in the meeting room of the Governorate under the chairmanship of the Governor of the region Mr. Issa Lemine.

We noted on this occasion the presence of the prefect of Diffa, the Head of the Diffa office of OXFAM, the head of the FAO Sub-Office, the Head of Canton of Koumadougou, representatives of the Communes of N’Gourti, of N ‘ Guigmi, Kablewa, Toumour, Gueskérou and Bosso. Organized by the NGO OXFAM, this ceremony aims to put in place a holistic approach that supports the Emergency-Development-Peacebuilding triptych.

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(Click here for the original French version)

Question for this article

Can the women of Africa lead the continent to peace?

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In her speech on this occasion, the Head of the OXFAM office first thanked the participants for their massive participation in this ceremony before setting the objective of this activity. According to Hadjia Gouya Mahamane Delley, the aim is to sensitize communities on the importance of taking into account the specific needs of women and young people in community decision-making bodies. It is also about sensitizing these communities on the role of women and young people in the culture of peace, social cohesion, peaceful coexistence and non-violent conflict management. The Head of the Diffa office of OXFAM also noted the feasibility of presenting a plea to the leaders for a better representation of women and young people in community programs. Finally, she insisted on the important role of women in the management of conflicts linked to transhumance.

Launching this campaign, the Governor of Diffa first welcomed the initiative to involve women and young people in the different decision-making systems within the communities. Mr. Issa Lemine then underlined that the issue of local development is essential for good governance. It is a challenge for public authorities, local authorities and local communities. For the governor of the Diffa region, this approach is part of the participatory and in-depth analysis of the determinants of conflicts and factors of peace to strengthen regional and local consultation frameworks, with a view to facilitating peaceful access to natural and especially pastoral resources for a contribution to the consolidation of peace.

Nigeria: Akeredolu, Jegede, Ajayi Sign Peace Accord

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

An article by James Sowole from This Day Live

The Ondo State Governor and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, his two major challengers, the state’s deputy governor and candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Hon. Agboola Ajayi, and Eyitayo Jegede, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other governorship candidates have promised to embrace peace in the forthcoming Ondo election.


The Catholic Bishop of Diocese of Sokoto, who is a member of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Matthew Hassan Kukah, watching the Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, as he signs the Peace Accord.

The candidates made the pledge at the signing of a peace accord organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The event took place at the International Cultural and Event Centre, the Dome in Akure, the state capital.

Addressing the contestants, the chairman of NPC and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), who spoke via Zoom, advised all stakeholders to demonstrate commitment to the spirit of the accord.

The former head of state, who urged the candidates to use the Edo election as a lesson for the Ondo State exercise, called on the electorate to cast their votes in the election without fear of intimidation or coercion.

He explained that those who signed the peace accord had committed themselves to ensuring peace in Ondo State and Nigeria at large before, during and after the election.

“The tension and anxiety associated with election necessitated the setup of the National Peace Committee which is to support peaceful election process and enthrone culture of peace.

“In 2014, the committee conveyed efforts to support peaceful election as well as ensuring a peaceful transition.

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Question related to this article:

How should elections be organized in a true democracy?

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“The intervention of the committee contributed immensely to the success of the 2015 election. The NPC has since successfully intervened in the general election to ensure a peaceful outcome to the 2019 general election even at the just concluded Edo governorship election.

“The governorship election in Ondo State is only a few days away and we want peace during and after the election. We want to see Nigeria as a place where people come out peacefully and vote during the election without deprivation and Ondo State deserves this.

“As we go into the election, we have been given assurance by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that they will conduct a free, fair and credible election. The rest is left for the voters to do what is right,” Abubakar said.

Also, members of the NPC, Bishop Mathew Kukah, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, charged the youth not to allow themselves to be used for political violence.

According to Bishop Kukah, “It is imperative to call on everyone to work towards peaceful election to ensure peace reign during and after the election.”

In his remarks, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mamood Yakubu, said the commission had met 12 of the necessary steps for the smooth conduct of the election. Yakubu urged political parties and their supporters to maintain peace for the conduct of the exercise to be peaceful.

The Inspector General of Police (IG), Mohammed Adamu, represented by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Leye Oyebade, while assuring the people of the safety of lives and properties, said the police had been able to map out all the three senatorial districts and the 18 local government areas in the state.

The IG advised members of the public to follow the guidelines for a peaceful election.

In their words, the three major candidates from APC, PDP and ZLP, Akeredolu, Jegede and Ajayi restated their commitment to ensuring a peaceful poll.

Other political parties that signed the accord apart from the three major ones included Accord Party, the African Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), African Democratic Party (ADP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The event was also attended by the Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas and the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Fedrick Akinruntan, the Deji of Akure, other traditional rules and religious leaders, among others.

Democratic Republic of Congo: World Peace Foundation Celebrates the Interational Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Sent to CPNN by Dr John Mukhuta Muhiana

Here is a photo of our celebration of the International Day of Peace, along with excerpts from the ten-year report for our Foundation for 2010-2020.


The World Peace Foundation is a non-profit association created and working in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its field of activity is the entire population of the world in general and that of the DR Congo in particular. The main objective of the FPM is to restore the culture of Peace through the teachings or seminars it organizes in order to transmit the messages of Peace.

The vision on the creation of the World Peace Foundation was born in 1999 by Mr. John MUKHUTA MUHIANA living the unfortunate and massacred events in the Democratic Republic of Congo his country of origin, in Africa his continent and in the whole world his planet earth not only on a physical level, but also on a spiritual level.

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(Click here for the original version in French)

Question for this article

What has happened this year (2020) for the International Day of Peace?

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Our organization has continued to promote the culture of Peace with civil society actors by respecting the standards of respect for the promotion of Peace.

With regard to education for peace, we are working with 55 schools to promote education for peace in partnership with the Living Peace International project.

With regard to democratic participation, we support populations so that they appropriate democratic values, tolerance, non-violence, participation in the management of public affairs, transparency and accountability, solidarity between citizens.

We make populations aware of the peaceful settlement of conflicts, peaceful cohabitation, respect for gender and the protection of the vulnerable (women, children, the elderly, handicaps).

2010 to 2020 the Foundation carried out a lot of activities; we thank the governor of the province as well as the president of the provincial assembly of Lualaba who always accompanies us.

Media used: WANGU RTV, MIKUBA, AMANI, TOP LUALABA, YALISANO, RCL, PALMIER, RTMA, NATURE …

Our Foundation has organized many activities: the International Day of Peace, the Day of Non-violence, the Day of the death of Ghandi, etc.

We have also resolved customary conflicts and in different families.

Central Africa: Video Conference for International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Sent to CPNN by Jerry Bibang

As part of the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, celebrated this year under the theme “Shaping peace together”, the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (Unoca) and the Central Africa Office of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), organized, on September 21, 2020, a video conference dedicated to peace issues and security.


The meeting brought together about sixty participants, in particular experts from the UN, ECCAS, civil society as well as researchers, It lasted for nearly four hours, allowing for discussion on several themes including the challenges of calls to cease fire, preventive diplomacy, the commitment of civil society to the culture of peace, the social responsibility of journalists in the promotion of the culture of peace, among others.

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(Click here for the original version in French)

Question for this article

What has happened this year (2020) for the International Day of Peace?

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During this high-level meeting, in the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Head of UNOCA, the President of ECCAS, the Sub-Regional Representative of UNESCO, PAYNCOP Gabon invited the various organizations to strengthen the capacities of local actors in awareness raising, preventive diplomacy, mediation and peaceful resolution of crises and conflicts.

For Jerry Bibang, the National Coordinator of PAYNCOP Gabon, “it is necessary to involve young people at all levels of the peace process, particularly in awareness-raising, prevention, mediation as well as post-conflict operations, in accordance with RESOLUTION 2250 (Jeunes, peace and security) of the United Nations.

“For the latter to be able to participate effectively, we must first train them, equip them, and strengthen their capacities,” he explained. “The current Covid19 pandemic sufficiently shows that international actors are no longer sufficient for peace operations, as their movements are strictly limited due to the disease. It is therefore necessary to involve local actors, especially young people who constitute a strategic demographic dividend for the culture of peace in Africa.”

Gabon: Payncop and Unesco in Support of People Living with Disabilities

TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY . .

Special to CPNN from Jerry Bibang

As part of these activities relating to the Covid19 pandemic, the National Coordination of the Pan-African Youth Network for the Culture of Peace (PAYNCoP Gabon) launched, on Tuesday September 15, 2020, the support project for people living with a handicap.


The initiative, which benefits from the support of UNESCO and the National Commission for UNESCO, supports the actions of public authorities. The project consists of three components, in particular an awareness campaign on barrier gestures, the distribution of bibs and hydroalcoholic gels and the provision of food.

(Click here for the original version in French.)

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Question related to this article:
 
How can we work together to overcome this medical and economic crisis?

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According to Jerry Bibang, the National Coordinator of PAYNCoP Gabon, “the project involves four associations including the Organization of Handicapped People (OPH), the National Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired of Gabon (ANAAG), the Association of the Deaf (ANDES ) and the NGO Bagniamessebe. It will impact a total of 50 Gabonese families, or around 200 people.”

For the National Commission for UNESCO, “this project helps implement the resilience strategies advocated by the Gabonese Government and UNESCO, in this period of global health crisis, marked by the Covid19 pandemic.” This was explained by Philippe MEMENE M’EYI, its Deputy Secretary General.

The urgent support project for people living with a disability follows on from other actions carried out by PAYNCoP Gabon since the onset of the pandemia. These include, among others, the awareness campaign on social networks, in partnership with the National Youth Council; participation in the awareness-raising video on fakes news around Covid19, produced by UNESCO; the establishment of hand washing points in the neighborhoods of Libreville, in partnership with the NGO Engineers Without Borders and the New World Citizen Laboratory; and the production of two comics, dedicated to raising awareness among young people about Covid19.

Burkina Faso : The 5th edition of Sotigui Awards looks at the contribution of women filmmakers to the culture of peace

EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An article by Judith Sanou in Le Faso

From November 12 to 14, 2020 the 5th edition of the Sotigui Awards will be held in Ouagadougou. The organizers of this event, namely the Académie des Sotigui, in partnership with FESPACO, held a press conference on Saturday, September 5, 2020, to announce the festival. [FESPACO is the Panafrican Festival of Cinéma and Télévision of Ouagadougou.] 


The participants in the press conference

Launched in 2015, Sotigui Awards is an initiative of the Academy of Sotigui, African Cinematographic Arts and the Diaspora, in partnership with FESPACO. This event aims to contribute to the recognition and enhancement of the profession of African actors and comedians. The 5th edition is held under the theme “Culture of Peace: The Contribution of Women in Cinema and Audiovisual? “.

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

Question for this article:

Film festivals that promote a culture of peace, Do you know of others?

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According to the president of the Académie des Sotigui, Kévin Evrard Moné, this theme is justified by the observation that women of the 7th art continue to make their contribution in the face of adversities including terrorist attacks, the crisis of Covid-19 and all forms of violence experienced by women.

The 2020 edition, which will be held from November 12 to 14, features sixteen categories in competition and some innovations. It includes the opening of the “Sotigui of the African public” for almost all categories; the award ceremony which amounts to 20,000 CFA francs; and the organization of an “After Sotigui” with the movie stars in partnership with the Bravia Hotel.

Forty actors and comedians from Africa were nominated for this edition. According to Akoubou François Adianaga, commissioner in charge of the selection, the method of appointing actors and actors is based on several criteria: the credibility of the actor in the role he or she plays, the ability and the quality of conversation of the actor and the quality of the acting.

While waiting for the award ceremony, participants can watch film screenings, a round table on the theme of publishing, practical training sessions in acting, and a panel on piracy organized by Canal +. All these activities will take place in compliance with barrier measures in this period of Covid-19, reassured Gustave Sorgho, commissioner in charge of external relations.

For this edition, special tribute will be paid to the actor Chadwick Boseman [whose Hollywood roles included Jackie Robinson and James Brown], who died on August 28 in Los Angeles. Also the concept “Hashtag – we dress as Africans” will be highlighted during this edition, a way of highlighting African culture in all its forms.

ECOSOCC / Morocco: Launch of the e-caravan of peace, flagship event of Amnesty Month in Africa

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

An article by Hicham Alaoui in MSN (translation by CPNN)

The e-Caravan of Peace, a flagship event of the “Month of Amnesty in Africa 2020”, was launched on Tuesday from Rabat, capital of Morocco, to travel [virtually] through all African countries, with the objectives of promoting values ​​of peace, tolerance, solidarity and pan-African integration.


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Initiated by the Moroccan Association Key to Peace for Development and Solidarity, the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (ECOSOCC-UA) and the Moroccan national chapter of ECOSOCC-UA, this virtual caravan is part of the AU theme for this year namely “Silencing the Guns: Creating the Conditions for Africa’s Development”.

The silence of the guns on the continent, a wish of the populations of the African hemisphere, is a long process which requires a very strong commitment to implement the policies, frameworks of action and instruments of the African Union.

Indeed, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons is clearly linked to the violent conflicts that continue to undermine peace and development in Africa. This situation leaves the continent very vulnerable, these weapons causing enormous destruction and claiming many victims.

In Africa, the dynamics of conflicts and current trends in arms trafficking are changing due to the evolving nature and diversity of actors, such as pirates, terrorists and criminal organizations. This means that the existing challenges persist while becoming more complex.

The AU’s 2063 vision calls for a solid partnership to establish synergies and effective coordination between the various initiatives in order to reduce armed conflicts in Africa. It is to raise awareness of the importance of this theme of the year of the AU, that the e-Caravan of Peace, as an initiative of civil society, has mobilized to promote the culture of peace, solidarity and living together, to build a continent free of conflicts where the conditions for a decent life are guaranteed.

It is nonetheless true that in the face of the current dynamics of conflicts and new trends in the arms trade, a strong partnership with civil society is highly crucial. At this critical juncture, it is important to highlight the role it can play in ending conflicts, promoting peace and raising awareness in local communities.

The e-Caravan proposes to:

* fight against the illicit arms trade, destabilization and misuse of small arms and light weapons in Africa,

* undertake awareness-raising campaigns through traditional and social media in AU Member States,

* create an enabling climate the participation of civil society organizations in peace processes in Africa

* and establish a solid partnership between governments and ECOSOCC on issues related to peace and security in Africa.

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(Click here for a version of this article in French.)

Question for this article:

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

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According to the vice-president of ECOSOCC for the North African region, Khalid Boudali, the e-Caravan of peace is a solidarity event aimed at “rallying all stakeholders to participate in humanitarian action for help establish peace and security on the continent and free Africa from the yoke of armed conflict ”. For him, the e-Caravan constitutes a milestone in the efforts made for an Africa without conflicts or wars.

It is also designed to support the ongoing efforts of the various actors and at the same time take stock of the progress made so far with the objective of strengthening peace and security in Africa, said Mr. Boudali, who presides over the destinies of the Key International Association for Peace for Development and Solidarity. “The social, economic and political factors that motivate groups and communities to acquire these weapons must be addressed. It is undeniable that efforts to disarm communities must take into account security and development concerns and offer them alternatives to crime and other illicit activities,” he said.

As a conflict prevention tool, the African Peace and Security Architecture, and all its supporting instruments, appear to be very effective. However, it is important that the African Union continues its efforts to ensure that the implementation of Program 2063, launched to build a prosperous continent endowed with good governance, respecting human rights and encouraging popular participation. and development, remains at the center of its efforts.

It should be noted that the e-Caravan will take place on a virtual platform in all Member States of the African Union during the month of September. Awareness-raising actions and debates will be initiated every week at the national level, in cooperation with the national platform of civil society organizations with a series of webinars to present the results and recommendations made in each of the five regions of the continent.

The culmination of the e-Caravan will be the holding, on September 30, 2020, of an e-symposium on public policies, an event during which the overall report of the activities and the recommendations adopted during the various activities carried out at all levels, national and regional, will be presented.

The initiative to hold the Caravan as a virtual event was dictated by the current situation marked by the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting consequences, in particular the closure of air, land and sea borders.

In fact, a Caravan of peace, solidarity and pan-African integration, which the Moroccan Key Association for Peace for Development and Solidarity intended to organize, and was going to travel through 12 African countries, was about to be organized. But with the arrival of the coronavirus, it was changed from a real-world event to a virtual event. Thus, the overland journey of this Caravan has turned into an e-journey.

Sudan: Darfur deal welcomed by UN chief as ‘historic achievement’

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

An article from the United Nations

A peace agreement between Sudanese authorities and key armed movements from Darfur could provide a path to national unity, the head of the joint UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) said on Monday. Secretary-General António Guterres later described it  as an “historic achievement” towards lasting peace.


UNAMID/Albert Gonzalez Farran. UNAMID, in collaboration with the North Darfur Committee on Women, organised an open day session on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security (file photo).

Sudan’s transitional Government initialled the deal alongside the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) and Sudan Liberation Movement–Minni Minnawi (SLM/MM), at a ceremony held in neighbouring South Sudan. 

Determination, courage and commitment 

“The Secretary-General congratulates the people of the Sudan for this historic achievement and commends the parties to the negotiations for their political will and determination in working toward the common objective of peace”, said the statement released on Monday night in New York.

“He also thanks the Government of South Sudan and President Salva Kiir for their important role in facilitating the talks. The Secretary-General calls on the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North–Abdelaziz Al-Hilu and the Sudan Liberation Movement–Abdul Wahid Al-Nur to join the peace process.”

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Question for this article:

Can peace be achieved in South Sudan?

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Mr. Guterres said he was fully committed to supporting the implementation of the agreement, “which marks the start of a new era for the people of the Sudan and for people living in Darfur and the Two Areas, in particular. This will require sustained commitment and collaboration between the parties and the people of the Sudan.”

Earlier, Jeremiah Mamabolo, the UNAMID Joint Special Representative who attended the ceremony, said  the deal was a “significant step” and commended in particular the signatory parties for their “determination, courage and commitment to lasting peace in Sudan”.

17 years of brutal fighting

It is expected that the peace agreement will end 17 years of often brutal conflict in Darfur. 

Fighting between the forces of former President Omar al-Bashir, backed by allied militia, and various rebel movements, left around 300,000 dead, according to UN estimates, and millions displaced. 

President al-Bashir was overthrown in April 2019 following unrest that began in December 2018. 

 “We hope that this agreement is perceived as the start of a process that includes all in a positive move towards peace, justice and national unity. This includes the full realization of the hopes, dreams and aspirations of all the people of Sudan, including Darfuris”, said Mr. Mamabolo. 

Praise for South Sudan mediation 

At the ceremony, the UNAMID chief conveyed greetings from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the AU Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki. 

He also applauded the South Sudanese mediation team for facilitating the negotiation process amidst challenges. 
Mr. Mamabolo hoped that those parties who remain outside will soon join the peace process to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the Sudanese people and the objectives of the December 2018 Revolution. 

“To that end, the United Nations and the African Union remain committed to supporting this process to the very last day of UNAMID’s mandate”, he said. 

Côte d’Ivoire: traditional chiefs gather in Yamoussoukro

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

An article by TKEmile in KOACI (translation by CPNN)

A great meeting between the Mediator of the Republic and the National Chamber of Kings and Traditional Chiefs of Côte d’Ivoire was held at the Félix Houphouët Boigny Foundation for the search for peace in Yamoussoukro, hosted this Saturday, August 29, as noted on the spot by KOACI,.


Traditional leaders at the Foundation in Yamoussoukro (photo by KOACI)

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

Question related to this article:

How should elections be organized in a true democracy?

The Houghouët-Boigny Foundation of Yamoussoukro: what is its contribution to the culture of peace?

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This meeting which saw the effective participation of the President of the National Chamber of Kings and Traditional Chiefs, His Majesty Amon Désiré Tanoe, of the Minister of State, Minister to the President of the Republic, in charge of Relations with Institutions, Gilbert Kafana Koné, was placed under the theme “the mechanisms for establishing a lasting peace in Côte d’Ivoire.”

The Mediator of the Republic, Adama Toungara, said that the kings and traditional leaders of the country on mission are at the heart of the culture of peace, pledge of lasting stability and harmonious development of Côte d’Ivoire. “I remain convinced that it is with the involvement of all, members of the government, traditional leaders, political leaders, religious guides and civil society, that we will succeed in forging and sustainably maintaining the image of fraternity, solidarity, union and peace.” said the mediator.

About 200 chiefs, from 108 departments of Côte d’Ivoire, took part in the meeting in Yamoussoukro this Saturday. The Mediator of the Republic and the President of the National Chamber of Kings and Traditional Chiefs, called on the traditional chiefs, guarantors of customs and traditions, to be messengers of Peace and social cohesion in their different villages, cantons and kingdoms in this election year. To conclude, they invited the political actors in the right tone and to avoid any action likely to undermine the peace and the unity of the Nation.