Category Archives: Africa

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.

Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION

Young Liberian Off to Turkey for Global Peace Chain Summit

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from the Liberian Observer

Mariama H. Konneh, a young Liberian women’s rights advocate, has been selected to participate in the Global Peace Chain summit 2020 in Turkey. The summit, set for October 15 through 18, aims to provide a platform for young leaders to form partnerships, bring solutions, and theory on ways to reshape how the world response to the 2030 UN sustainable development Goals amid COVID-19.


Mariama H. Konneh, young Liberian women’s rights advocate

Konneh, a student of network engineering with a focus on systems administration at the Blue Crest University in Monrovia, says she has been involved with advocacy since she was a child during the heat of the civil war in my country during which children of all ages were raped, killed and forced into hard labor and fighting forces.

“Advocacy does not necessarily mean protest or agitation, but a way in which we add our peaceful voices to the problems we face nationally or globally to make our world a peaceful place for all humanity,” she says.  “Having witnessed multiple incidents of violence perpetrated against women in Liberia, I voluntarily joined the Paramount Young Women Initiative (PAYOWI) to support their work and add my voice on issues affecting women and girls in my country. I have 8 years of experience in community service, particularly working on gender equality and environmental protection campaigns.” 

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

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Konneh says she volunteers with many youth-led organizations in Liberia, including those involved with campaigns against rape, gender-based violence, corruption, and environmental pollution. Hers is a call to duty which she says, inspired by the words of former US President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.”

“I am so excited to participate in the Global Peace Chain,” she says. “This will bring so much pride to my country and inspiration to other young people working on the same causes I believe in. I will use the knowledge to conduct trainings around the country and pass-on the knowledge to many other young Liberians who wish to contribute to social change and peace. By transferring knowledge and skills gained from the Global Peace Chain, I hope to build a network of youth activists committed to non-violence advocacy and values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.” 

The Global Peace Chain has more than 75 peace ambassadors from Liberia, including Konneh, who was selected as an ambassador in December 2018. The organization so far has more than 2,330 peace ambassadors in more than 130 countries around the world.

Established on July 2, 2018, Global Peace Chain is an international non-profit organization that empowers youth and reinforces the vitality of youth leadership and development through partnership-driven activities, Community service initiatives, and peace-building workshops. Global Peace Chain envisions to build resilience by cultivating a culture of tolerance, inclusivity, interfaith harmony, and co-existence through the contribution toward the UN SDGs, peace education, interactive sessions and peace talks with society stakeholders such as diplomats, religious scholars, and community-based groups/organizations. The Global Peace Chain is headquartered in the United States of America, with regional offices in Pakistan, Nepal, Burundi and Mauritius for reinforcing youth leadership and development.

The Global Peace Summit 2020 in Turkey serves as one of our initiatives to bring young leaders from diverse ethnic, religious and Professional backgrounds and empower them to continue developing young leaders and contributing to a culture of peace through the achievement of the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Africa, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Africa: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .
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A survey by CPNN

The following 35 events in 23 African countries include those listed in Google during the week of September 21-28 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 50 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 Congo, Brazzaville

Here are excerpts from the articles.

BENIN:

As part of the International Day of Peace, the National Fund for the Development of Youth Activities, Sports and Leisure (Fndajsl) in collaboration with the Beninese National Olympic and Sports Committee (Cnos-Ben) organized a series of ‘activities concluded with two communications on the theme “The celebration of sport for development and peace”. This meeting brought together from September 25 to 26, 2020, at the Conference Hall of the Cotonou Sports Palace, the Beninese sports movement, journalists and civil society.

OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO

The United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, commemorated the International Day of Peace with AfriYAN and Youth Networks for Sustainable Peace in Africa. The promoter of the event Fayçal Traoré, member of the structure promoting the dialogue framework, wants the discourse to change at the level of young people through this celebration. “The discourse is no longer that young people are a challenge, or even problems to be solved, but that young people are an opportunity for peace, and are essential players in matters of peace,” he comments.

BURKINA FASO :

An Audio report by Issaka Souleymane DIALLO (Journaliste/ RTB).

BURUNDI :

A video report by the Minister of National Solidarity of Social Affairs, Human Rights and Gender Imelde Sabushimike with a related statement. The theme for this year is “shaping peace together.”

CAMEROON :

Paul Biya – President of the Republic, endorsed the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Shaping peace together” and took the opportunity to promote and strengthen social cohesion and living together. Qualities on which Mounouna Foutsou – Minister of Youth and Civic Education returned this Monday, during the official ceremony organized in the political capital of Cameroon.

BUEA, CAMEROON

SHAPING PEACE TOGETHER, The Association for Community Awareness (ASCOA) joined the rest of the world to commemorate 2020 world peace day. A one day workshop with youths in the city of Buea, Cameroon.

BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC :

To celebrate the International Day of Peace, the Department of Arts and Culture, the National Youth Council in partnership with the MINUSCA organized competitions for the benefit of young people allowing them to express themselves. The main objective of these competitions is to contribute to the consolidation of peace and the popularization of the APPR-RCA in this period of pandemic with covid19. The competitions which have for theme “Shaping your peace”, is open to young people from 10 to 25 years old who wish to express themselves through different production channels. Shape your peace through poetry, drawing, dance, art, storytelling, music, photography and comedy.

CHAD

The coordinator of the peace and sustainable security program of the United Nations association of Chad made a statement on Monday on the occasion of the International Day of Peace which is celebrated around the world. According to Brahim Ramadan Mahamat, “It is more evident than ever that we are not enemies of each other. On the contrary, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, our safety, and even our way of life. this is the Covid-19 virus. This is why the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has reminded to silence the guns and to focus on the fight against this pandemic” , adds the coordinator of the peace and sustainable security program of the association.

COMOROS :

On September 21, World Day of Peace, the leaders of NGOs Unfpa and Afriyan-Comoros organized a conference based on peace in itself, peace and justice, and peace and Islam. According to the goals of the SDGs, peace occupies sixteenth place. “For sustainable development, peace occupies sixteenth place among the seventeen programs mentioned. That’s why we’re celebrating this international day of world peace, ”National Assembly Administrator David Palmer said.

CONGO BRAZZAVILLE :

The national coordinator of Associations and Civil Society Organizations for Peace (CONAP), Marlon Alouki Obouémbé affirmed on September 21 in Brazzaville that the forces of the nation should not only appropriate the notion of peace and make it a philosophy of life, but cultivate it because it constitutes the common thread of better living together. “We want to raise awareness among populations against violence for the simple reason that experience shows that in the Congo, each time electoral deadlines approach, the socio-political climate changes.” indicated Marlon Alouki Obouémbé, at the opening of a symposium held as part of the celebration of the 19th International Day of Peace.

YAMOUSSOUKRO, CÔTE D’IVOIRE :

In his capacity as representative of the Prime Minister, Adama Diawara, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, chaired on September 21, at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation in Yamoussoukro, the official celebration of the International Day of Peace .
To the young people, Adama Diawara explained that in “this pre-electoral period where certain speeches call to impose themselves by force, to destroy the gains”, they will have to reject violence in all its forms and especially avoid destroying the symbols of State.
 
BENI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (DR CONGO):

On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, the Young Patriots consolidators of peace reflect Monday September 21, 2020 in Beni (North Kivu) on the contribution of youth in the maintenance and consolidation of peace in Beni. The challenges and the related solutions.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO :

On the occasion of the celebration of the International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21 of each year, seventy-five women’s civil society organizations unanimously formulated a joint declaration on the establishment of peace in the DRC.
“If men cannot come to an understanding to make peace, as women we can” is the sentence that sums up the joint declaration signed by these women’s organizations.

GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO :

The International Day of Peace is celebrated every year on September 21 around the world. In the city of Goma, in North Kivu, citizen movements of committed artists Raiya Nasimama, decided to march in the street to protest against the insecurity characterized by massacres of civilians in the east of the country, particularly in the region. from Beni. According to Black Man Bausi, a committed artist from the city of Goma, this day is dedicated to peace and particularly in the province of North Kivu and its surroundings, which are facing a situation of growing insecurity. “We are in the street today because we organized a peace concert.”

KANANGA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO :

On the sidelines of the international day of peace, in Kananga several related activities were organized, including the provincial youth council endowed diplomas of merit to five youth including an activist from the Lucha section of Kananga. During an interview granted to him by the editorial staff of interview.cd, Albert Ngalamulume reassures that he has worked within the citizen movement fighting for change during the period of the Kamwina Nsapu atrocities “Since we joined the citizen movement, fighting for change during or after the kamwina nsapu atrocities, we have never stopped sending out the message of peace, carrying out awareness campaigns, participating in various radio broadcasts. to call the people who had their weapons in their hands to lay them down and make peace, we did this work three years ago ”declared Albert Ngalamulume at the microphone of the interview this late Sunday

KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO :

The International Day of Peace is celebrated on September 21 of each year. In Kinshasa, Radio Okapi, through the magazine “Okapi Service”, produced a general public program on Saturday, September 19 in the promotion room of the Catholic University in Congo (UCC). Several personalities took part in this great meeting.  The UNESCO country representative, Jean-Pierre Ilbido, argued that the principles of peace are based on notions of tolerance and the absence of violence between citizens. Several students invited the competent authorities to work for the promotion of peace.  

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Question related to this article:

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

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 LUALABA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO :

World Peace Foundation Celebrates the Interational Day of Peace. 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.

NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

The International Day of Peace. Taking advantage of this date of capital importance, the Synergy of peace journalists in the Great Lakes region, appealed to all communities in the DRC and the east to be able to live together peacefully to encourage the development of their communities. respective entities.”We are taking advantage of this important day to ask all communities to live in peaceful coexistence because nothing is possible without living together as children of the same father and the same mother. We have been going through difficult times for a long time, for lack of love and affection, “said Paulin Munyagala, coordinator of this Synergy of Peace Journalists who is part of the CongoForum editorial staff. This organization of around ten journalists involved in peacebuilding wants eastern DRC to become an oasis of peace where people live together in peace for the development of their region. Paulin himself has been involved for the past three years in building peace in his region.

AFRICAN UNION, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA :

The African Union celebrated the International Day of Peace 2020 with a video conference, Youth as agents for Silencing the Guns and Shaping Peace

GABON :

As part of the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, celebrated this year under the theme “Shaping peace together”. . . a video conference was dedicated to peace issues and security. During this high-level meeting, 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.

GUINEA :

Statement from Taran Diallo, Minister of National Unity and Citizenship: The International Day of Peace is celebrated in Guinea in the context of the preparations for the presidential election of October 18, 2020: it is an important moment in the consolidation of our democratic process. In doing so, our words, behaviors and attitudes must contribute to the establishment of a peaceful climate in order to allow everyone to participate in this historic choice.

IDANDORA, KENYA

Dandora Kenya International cities of Peace will share peace together with orphans and widows on 21 September 2020, international peace day. The day will start with a simple peace match within Dandora with peace messages then settle in a spacious hall for a meal. @$10 a widow or an orphan can have a meal. Your peace message or a meal support shall proudly be shared.

NAROK, KENYA :

A cache of crude weapons recovered in the volatile Narok South Sub-County were set ablaze Monday as part of celebrations to mark the International Peace Day. The assortment of weapons which included about 6,000 quivers, arrows, bows and spears had been confiscated by the Narok County Security Committee following the ethnic altercations between members of two communities living in the area. The event was graced by legislators from the Senate and National Assembly committee as well as members of the National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity as well as the National Cohesion and Integration Committee (NCIC) who took the chance to root for peace amongst members of the warring communities.

MALI :

This Monday, September 21 marks the International Day of Peace. The theme chosen for this 2020 Day is Shaping Peace Together. Fatoumata Maiga, president of the Association of Women for Peace Initiatives answers Assa Sakiliba’s microphone

MAURITIUS :

NGOs in the Rose-Belle region are mobilizing for the country. Shaping peace together. This is the theme chosen this year for the International Day of Peace. A theme that could not have come at a better time with all the unfortunate events that the country has experienced in recent weeks. Artist and social worker Alain Auriant added his personal touch.  “There is a great need for peace in Mauritius and in the whole world. We are organizing activities for this day to show that we are united among NGOs. ” Alain Auriant advances.

PEMBA, MOZAMBIQUE:

Yesterday (21.09.20), the MASC Foundation, through its Civic Incubator initiative, organized in Pemba a round table to discuss the contribution of local actors in the process of building sustainable peace and social cohesion in the context of armed attacks and religious radicalism in Cabo Delgado. Religious, academic, and youth leaders were present. The date is celebrated at a time when Mozambique is being plagued by successive armed attacks in the center and north of the country. The general understanding resulting from the roundtable is that peace and social cohesion are still a challenge because the process of building the Mozambican state has always been marked by violence and, to end this violence, we must create conditions of dialogue for the construction of a culture of peace based on socialization institutions. The celebration / reflection also featured the performance of the band Ikwazuni, which recently released the album Mocambique Yethu- Stop extremist violence!

NIAMEY, NIGER :

The Association of Journalists for Security and Migrants (AJSEM Niger) organized, this Monday, September 21, 2020 in the Conference Room of the Maison de la Presse in Niamey, an information meeting and discussions on defense and security issues.
Around the theme “What type of collaboration between FDS and media actors in a context of multifaceted security crisis”, this meeting is organized as part of the celebration of the International Day of Peace. In opening this meeting, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Maison de la Presse, Mr. Ibrahim Harouna, first remarked that “our country and the African sub-region have been confronted for several years to multiple security challenges ”, stressing that“ several hotbeds of tension are active in particular in the North with the Libyan hearth, in the North-West the situation in Mali, in the East the Boko Haram group ”.

 
ILORIN, NIGERIA :

Poster for International Cities of Peace: Ilorin, Nigeria. Shaping Peace Together. Written by Dr. Biola Adimula, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin.

KAANI, NIGERIA :

SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUP, a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in conjunction with LEKEH DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION host the International Peace Day at the Ultramodern Town Hall, Kaani community. A wonderful event organized to preach, educate and orientate the leaders of Bua Kaani community on the importance of peace. HRH Mene G. B. Apere, the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, the Elite president , Youth president, the Kaani Students Union president, Clergymen and women leader attends the programme to discus everlasting peace.

SEYCHELLES

The Beau Vallon secondary school celebrated the International Peace Day on Monday September 21 with a ‘Peace Road Race’. The head teacher of the school, Phillip Morel, noted that on Monday morning they had a short, simple assembly with messages of peace from teachers. To complete the event, some of the talented drummers from the school along with Marie Chantal composed and performed a moutya song on peace.

SEYCHELLES

To mark Peace Day yesterday, the International Day for Peace Committee organised a tree-planting activity in collaboration with six renowned local peace poets and the ‘Zanfan Losean EZ’ Association. They planted 21 coconut trees in the vicinity of the waterfront café and they all wore a white shirt/top. The theme for the event was ‘My Sustainable Tree’ and it was inaugurated by the Mayor of Victoria, David Andre.

ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA

RE:21 SEPT INTERNATIONAL WORLD PEACE DAY 2020 KARIAKOO UHURU PARK ZANZIBAR. Dear all friends in peace. We greet you all in True Peace & Solidarity. My name is Ali Mussa Mwadini and I am the Founder of our Organization, and currently voluntarily working as Executive Secretary & Peace Activist and Founder of Zanzibar City of Peace Clubs Project. Our Organization Zanzibar Peace, Truth & Transparency Association (ZPTTA NGO), is committed to the promotion of True Culture of Peace (Positive Peace) & peace related issues, via increased negotiation, reconciliation and dialogue. Find attached photos of world peace day 2020

LOME, TOGO

The Committee for Reflection and Action for the Promotion of Human Rights (CRAPH) intends to commemorate the International Day of Peace on September 21 through a discussion and discussion. The meeting, which is being held at the organization’s headquarters in Lomé, will bring together the board of directors of this human rights association and its members around the theme “Shaping peace together”.

TOGO

Three women’s organizations (REPSFECO, ROAJLEF and GTFJPS-AOS) are delighted with the efforts made by States to maintain peace in the sub-region. On the occasion of the celebration of the International Day of Peace, they invite the governments of the community space to redouble their vigilance for the maintenance and consolidation of peace. They also salute all the actors involved in an effective commitment to peace. Read the full statement below.

UGANDA

Video for International Day of Peace from the Uganda Muslim Youth Development Forum

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

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.

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

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.”

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

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.

Africa, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

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.

Africa, EDUCATION FOR PEACE

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.


(click on image to enlarge)

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.

Africa, DISARMAMENT & SECURITY

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. 

Africa, DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, Mideast,

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)

(Article continued in right column)

(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?

(Article continued from left column)

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.

Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION