Tag Archives: Africa

Niger: Ingall Cure Salée 2026 – Cultural and musical performances centered on the culture of peace and social cohesion

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

An article by the Nigerien Press Agency (ANP) (translation by CPNN)

Following the horse and camel races held earlier in the day, festivities for the 59th edition of the Cure Salée continued on the evening of Saturday, October 3, 2026, with cultural and musical performances.

The cultural evening was attended by the Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts; the Governor of the Agadez Region, Major General Ibra Boulama Issa; the Governor of the Tahoua Region, Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa; and several guests from AES member countries.

Question related to this article:

 

Can festivals help create peace at the community level?

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

The Cure Salée is a major traditional festival in Niger that brings together nomadic communities—notably the Tuareg and the Fulani—around ancestral rites linked to transhumance, livestock, and pastoral life. Cultural and musical performances play a central role in this celebration, serving as the primary vehicle for transmitting values, stories, and cultural identities.

Thus, the cultural and musical performances at the 2026 Cure Salée are not merely entertainment; they are essential elements that foster social cohesion, cultural transmission, and local development.

The ceremony featured performances by artists from various regions as well as local artists. Songs, dances, guitars, music, and other traditional artistic forms enable communities to affirm their cultural identity.

(Click here for the French version of this article)

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Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION

4th Biennale of Luanda: Strengthening water governance for a culture of peace in Africa

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article from UNESCO

The 4th edition of the Biennale of Luanda – Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence will take place on 22 and 23 October 2026 in Luanda, Angola, under the theme “Strengthening Water Governance in Africa as a Tool for Conflict Prevention, Mediation, and Resolution.”


The 2026 edition will focus on the role of water governance in preventing conflicts, strengthening regional cooperation and advancing a Culture of Peace in Africa. It is aligned with the African Union’s 2026 theme on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems.

UNESCO brings longstanding scientific and policy expertise on water to the Biennale. Through the United Nations World Water Development Report, UNESCO contributes evidence and analysis on water availability, access, governance and climate pressures worldwide. In Africa, water remains central to livelihoods and economic development: agriculture accounts for around 79% of freshwater withdrawals, while access to basic drinking water and sanitation services remains insufficient.

This combination of scientific knowledge and capacity development around shared water resources directly informs the Biennale’s focus on water governance as a tool for conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding.

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Question related to this article:

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

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

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Discussions at the 4th edition of the Biennale of Luanda will be structured around four main areas: 

° water, peace and cross-border cooperation; 
° water governance and scientific citizenship; 
° water, climate change and migration; 
° and investment in water and capacity development.

As part of the Biennale of Luanda 2026, the parallel thematic sessions will bring together UNESCO Chairs, African and international universities, policymakers, scientific and technology experts, representatives of regional and international organisations, educators, media and information literacy specialists, and peacebuilding practitioners. 

Across two days, the discussions will connect expertise in artificial intelligence and ethical governance, digital citizenship and media and information literacy, international water cooperation, peace education and conflict prevention, with a particular focus on African perspectives and partnerships. 

All sessions will be accessible through Zoom link

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Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Africa: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .
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A survey by CPNN

The following 33 actions in 19 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 and the website of Campaign Nonviolence.

For events in North Africa see the page of actions in the Arab States .

Cameroon, Yaoundé

Here are excerpts from the articles.

AFRICAN UNION

Addis Ababa, 21 September 2026: The Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), H.E. Amb. Hervé D. DJOKPE, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Benin to the African Union and Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council for the Month of September 2026, on behalf of the PSC, joins the international community in commemorating the International Day of Peace under the theme “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.” The Chairperson of Council expresses its deep appreciation to UNESCO for convening the commemoration of the International Day of Peace and to the Government of Angola for its enduring partnership in advancing the Pan African Forum for the Culture of Peace – the Luanda Biennale. The PSC seizes this opportunity to encourage all Member States to redouble their efforts to promote peaceful, diverse, tolerant and inclusive communities and societies. The PSC also encourages Member States, political parties, civil society organizations, the media, community and faith leaders, women and youth groups, academia, professional bodies. to embrace and promote the culture of tolerance and appreciation of the value of unity in diversity within the letter and spirit of Ubuntu.

BURUNDI

On this International Day of Peace, the First Lady of Burundi, HE. Angeline Ndayishimiye participated, on 21.9.206, in the high-level event on Women, Peace and Security, co-organized by the African Union Office of the Special Envoy on WPS

CAMEROON

Held under the theme “Investing in peace for all, everywhere, every day,” the 45th edition of the International Day of Peace was launched on September 16, 2026, via a national online forum bringing together government agencies, defense forces, civil society, and the diaspora to reflect on peacebuilding in Cameroon. Each agency outlined its specific area of ​​action. The Ministries of Secondary Education (MINESEC) and Basic Education (MINEDUB) are focusing on civic and moral education in schools, extracurricular activities, and the strengthening of civic-mindedness. The National Gendarmerie and National Police highlighted their mission to ensure the safety of people and property, a role supported by awareness-raising campaigns against violence. The National Youth Council (CNJC) showcased its dialogue platform, where young people are consulted on issues such as femicide and various forms of violence. Representing civil society, Local Youth Corner presented the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda and its “N’a We We Jamboree” concept, which is set to expand to all ten regions. NewSETA highlighted its work promoting peace and democratic values ​​since 2013, while Women in Alternative Actions cited its national peace camp and “Queens for Peace” program.

CAMEROON

To mark the International Day of Peace, the NGO Wem’Afrika is organizing a webinar on: Silencing the Guns in Africa: Responding to Armed Conflicts, Military Coups & Emerging Security Threats Join us as we discuss peace, security, conflict prevention, and what we can do to contribute to a more peaceful Africa.

CAMEROUN, BUEA

Hundreds of congregants from the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) gathered on Sunday, September 13, 2026, to celebrate the International Day of Peace. Meeting in Buea at the PC New Town Airport congregation—part of the East Mungo South Presbytery—the Christians transformed the traditional Sunday service into a vibrant platform advocating for non-violence and social cohesion.

CAMEROUN, YAOUNDE

To mark the 45th International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21, 2026, various civil society organizations and government representatives took part in a citizens’ march in Yaoundé on Saturday, September 19, 2026, to promote peace and living together.
Coordinated by the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education (MINJEC), the citizens’ march for peace and living together brought together civil society organizations, youth movements, and public authority representatives. Combating femicide and infanticide was a central theme of the event. Organizers called for a collective effort to protect women, girls, and children, and to fight against the violence targeting them.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, BANGUI

On Friday, September 18, 2026, MINUSCA held a press briefing in Bangui to announce the upcoming International Day of Peace, scheduled for September 21. This year’s theme is: “Investing in peace in the Central African Republic: diverse perspectives on achievements, challenges, and future outlooks.” During the event, journalists and bloggers engaged in a discussion regarding the media and the culture of peace. The session was led by the President of the High Council for Communication, who highlighted the media’s social responsibility regarding the prevention of hate speech, the fight against disinformation, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence. For his part, Souleymane—MINUSCA’s Civil Affairs representative and principal coordinator of field offices—reiterated the mission’s support for national peace priorities, as well as its backing of dialogue and conflict prevention mechanisms.

CHAD, N’DJAMENA

On Monday, September 21, 2026, the Ombudsman Institution, in cooperation with the United Nations, celebrated the International Day of Peace at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The 2026 session, held under the theme “Investing in Peace for All, Everywhere, Every Day,” was dedicated to discussing issues of peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion. The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Ambassador Lamai Halina, along with officials from republican institutions, members of the government, and representatives from the United Nations and partner organizations. In his speech, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Chad, Dr. Francois Batalingaya, stressed that peacebuilding is not the responsibility of one institution alone, but requires the combined efforts of the state, local groups, communities, traditional and religious authorities, civil society, the media, the private sector, and international partners. Video on YouTube

CHAD, N’DJAMENA

On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21, 2026, the Chadian Socialist Intellectuals for Evolution (PISTE) called for strengthening dialogue, social cohesion, and appeasement in Chad. During a press conference in N’Djamena, the party advocated for the consolidation of peace, which it considers essential for the country’s socio-economic development and the well-being of its people. PISTE welcomed the presidential pardon granted to several political figures and called for further appeasement measures. On the political and institutional front, the party calls for the payment of subsidies to political parties, the restructuring of the CPDP (National Political Dialogue and Democracy Committee), and the establishment of a unity government that includes the country’s various political and social components.

CHAD, SARH

On the occasion of the International Day of #Peace, observed this Monday, September 21, 2026, the Préfixe Tchad Association calls upon the citizens of the Moyen-Chari province to make peace a shared responsibility. Its coordinator, Ndilabaye Ngarmadji, issued a statement at the organization’s headquarters, located in the Gardolet neighborhood of Sarh’s 5th municipal district.

COTE D’IVOIRE, SÉGUÉLA

To mark the International Day of Peace—observed annually on September 21 by the United Nations—the Youth Sounding Board Côte d’Ivoire, supported by the European Union, is organizing a regional meeting in Séguéla. The event focuses on issues of peace, conflict prevention, and social cohesion within the Worodougou region. Format: An in-person meeting at the Séguéla Regional Prefecture, featuring official addresses, thematic discussions, and sessions to present the commitments made by participants. The event is free and open to all, reflecting the spirit of inclusion that characterizes the Youth Sounding Board Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to empower young people as agents of peace and local development.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, CONGO, BUKAVU

On this day of commemoration, La Prunelle RDC ASBL [Non-Profit Association] calls upon the entire population and socio-political stakeholders to make peace a collective responsibility: prioritizing listening over division, dialogue over violence, fact-checking over rumor, and strict respect for human dignity.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, BUTEMBO-BENI

This year, National Justice and Peace Day is being celebrated on the eve of the International Day of Peace. This prompted the Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission (CDJP) of Butembo-Beni to organize a conference-debate in the conference hall at its offices, located at the Procure. In light of the nationally selected theme, the sub-themes “Terrorist ideology versus faith: the case of the ADF,” “Deterioration of the security situation and prospects for inclusive dialogue,” and “Extrajudicial conflict resolution and its role in harmonious coexistence: the experience of CDJP Butembo-Beni” will be explored between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, KINSHASA

To mark the 2026 International Day of Peace, the Synergie des Femmes pour la Paix et la Sécurité (SFPS) is organizing a two-day event in Kinshasa on September 21 and 22, 2026, dedicated to recognizing the role of women and girls in conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Held under the theme “Women and girls: investing in peace, recognizing those who build it,” this initiative aligns with the international theme “Investing in peace – For everyone, everywhere, every day.” The SFPS, which brings together more than 150 women’s organizations and networks, also aims to renew its commitment to implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

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Question for this article

What has happened this year (2026) for the International Day of Peace?

Democratic Republic of the Congo

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GHANA, CAPE COAST

International Peace Day serves as a global reminder of the importance of peace and the value of non-violence. The CRPC marked this day at the Police Hall in Cape Coast. It was attended by the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Prison Service, Ghana Fire Service, Religious leaders, Traditional Leaders, and students from secondary.

KENYA, KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

Kenyatta University has positioned university sport as a platform for peacebuilding, inclusion and social cohesion, bringing together more than 500 members of the University community and partners for a 10-kilometre walk to mark the International Day of University Sports and the International Day of Peace. The initiative brought together KU, UNESCO, the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, the Association of African Universities and other partners in a shared demonstration of how sport can promote dignity, dialogue, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.

KENYA, KISUMU

Moyo Connect LGBTQ Group will host a peaceful community dialogue and awareness session in Kisumu focused on nonviolence, inclusion, mental health, and human rights. The event will encourage peaceful action, mutual support, and community engagement while promoting respect and dignity for all.

KENYA, KITUI

New Hope Community Initiative will coordinate three nonviolent campaign actions: (1) a community healing and dialogue circle to promote reconciliation, (2) a nonviolence education workshop for youth and community members, and (3) an advocacy campaign engaging local leaders to strengthen peaceful conflict resolution, active bystander intervention, and community safety. These actions will encourage collaboration, reduce violence, and build a culture of peace in Kitui County.

LIBERIA, MATADI

This year’s celebration will focus on the importance of safe, inclusive and responsible digital spaces, particularly for women, girls and young people. The Network will promote the message: PROTECT PEOPLE. PROTECT“ VOICES. PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP.” The program will include a peace parade, keynote remarks, a panel discussion, youth and women’s reflections, and media engagement.
Expected guests and participants include representatives of the Government of Liberia, United Nations and development partners, civil society organizations, youth and women’s groups, media, community and religious leaders, and CPS Network partners. The President of the Press Union of Liberia, Mr. Julius Kanubah, has been invited as Guest Speaker.

MALI, BAMAKO

The International Day of Peace is scheduled for this coming September 21st. Here in Mali, however, the event was celebrated early—on Thursday, September 17, 2026—due to certain constraints. The observance took place at the Alioune Blondin Beye Peacekeeping School, centered on the theme: “Investing in people, institutions, and innovation for lasting peace.” This theme serves as a call for synergy to ensure better conditions for vulnerable communities. Watch this report for a recap of the International Day of Peace celebration.

MALI, BAMAKO

On the International Day of Peace, six civil society organizations signed a charter of commitment to peace. This took place in the presence of Mrs. Oumou Dicko, representative of UNESCO, as well as the president of the Universal Peace Federation, Mali section, Mr. Tiéoulé Satigui Sidibé. In this solemn declaration, the signatory organizations affirm, through this charter, their shared commitment to contributing to building a Mali where peace is a shared responsibility, where dialogue prevails over violence, where diversity is an asset, and where women and youth are fully engaged in peacebuilding. They thus pledge to join forces to make peace a lasting reality in communities and throughout Mali. The ceremony concluded with the signing of the wall of commitments by the initiating organisations (Regroupement des Orphelins RDO; Action Jeunes et Femmes pour le Developpement Durable; Universal Peace Federation UPF; Club Malien de Convergence CMC; Association des Scouts et Guides du Mali ASGM; Yeleen) and their partners

MAURITIUS

To mark the International Day of Peace, more than 400 participants took part in a peace march organized by Global Peace Chain Mauritius in Morcellement Saint-André on Monday, September 21. The initiative brought together people of different generations around the values ​​of unity, solidarity, tolerance, and mutual respect.

NIGER RADIO TELEVISION

On the sidelines of the International Day of Peace celebrations, the High Authority for Peace Consolidation and the Lac-Lac Network Association presented certificates of appreciation to various stakeholders who support their efforts to foster a culture of peace. Ten (10) recipients were honored—a gesture intended to encourage them to continue the fight for a culture of peace within the community.

NIGER, NIAMEY

“Investing in peace—for all, everywhere, every day”: this is the theme of the International Day of Peace, observed this Monday, September 21, 2026. The High Authority for Peace Consolidation discusses its importance for Niger. The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is the focus of a three-day workshop that opened this morning in Niamey.

NIGERIA, ABUJA

The Advanced Peace and Reconciliation Centre of Nigeria is pleased to announce its forthcoming United Nations International Day of Peace 2026 (World Peace Day) celebration. The event brings together peace advocates, community leaders, professionals, stakeholders and other members of the public for a meaningful gathering focused on peacebuilding, sustainable development and national security. Monday, 21 September 2026, National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja.

NIGERIA, MAKURDI, BENUE STATE

Youth, women and other relevant stakeholders in Benue State have signed a Peace Pact, committing themselves to peace, dialogue and non-violence during the 2027 elections. The stakeholders also agreed that they would not declare election results that had not been verified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting on the “ballot without bullets” stand. Drawn from the state’s three senatorial districts, the participants included Okada riders, tricycle operators, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, religious groups, women, and youths. They decided at the end of the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of Peace, held in Makurdi at the weekend. The week-long activities for the 2026 International Day of Peace were organised by the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation (BSCPR) in collaboration with the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme, Lawyers Alert, Cheerful Hands Initiative, COOPI and other partners.

SENEGAL WEBINAR

Partners West Africa Webinar. To mark the International Day of Peace, we invite you to join a webinar on the theme: “Investing in Peace: A Focus on the Role of Women in the Face of Conflict, Disinformation, and Social Cohesion Challenges”, Monday, September 21, 2026, 3:00 PM UTC, Online via Zoom

SEYCHELLES, PRESIDENT

On this International Day of Peace, I join the International Peace Day Committee and its partners in calling upon every Seychellois to become an everyday architect of peace. Let us choose dialogue over division, understanding over prejudice and cooperation over confrontation. Let us protect the peace that generations before us have helped to build and invest in the peace we wish to leave for our children and grandchildren. Let us move forward together, united by our love for our country and our shared commitment to the common good of Seychelles. May peace continue to prevail in our homes, in our communities, across our islands and throughout the world.

SOMALILAND, HARGEISA

International Day of Peace at the Midnimo Academy. Somaliland at a Regional Crossroads. Peace; Security and the Future of the Red Sea. With Panelist Prof. Abdi Ali Jama, Moderator Hoodo Hira, Panelist Dayab Adan X. Ali and ten keynote speakers.

SOUTH SUDAN, UN MISSION

“People are at the heart of everything we do,” says SRSG and Head of UNMISS Anita Kiki Gbeho. On the International Day of Peace, hear her message on why putting people first is key to building lasting peace in South Sudan

TANZANIA, ZANZIBAR

Peace Day, September 21, 2026, will mark the 27th anniversary of Peace Day. A gathering comprising government officials, college and university students, invited guests, members of the public (including women and youth), journalists, and security forces (this gathering will be attended by a Guest of Honor ZANZIBAR LORD MAYER.

UGANDA, KAMWENGE

From the 483rd International City of Peace (ICP), Base Camp II, Rwamwanja–Nkoma, Kamwenge, Uganda, we wish you a peaceful and wonderful International Day of Peace. May this day remind us that peace begins with unity, love, dialogue and respect for one another.

UGANDA, MBARARA

Peace Academy Nakivale and GAPSAFRICA (Global Alliance for Peace and Solidarity for Africa) will organize a children-focused peace and nonviolence action from September 21 to October 2, 2026. Activities will include peace education, peace circles, art, storytelling, cooperative games, acts of kindness, environmental action, and a nonviolence pledge. GAPSAFRICA volunteers will facilitate the activities and engage the wider community.

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Senegal: Red Cross youth mobilize against violence in Vélingara

. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION .

An article in Le Quotidien

On August 17, nearly a hundred young volunteers from Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau gathered for the 19th edition of the Red Cross International Twinning Camp. Under the theme “United Youth, Violence Banished,” these first responders are engaging in training sessions, civic actions, and cultural exchange to promote peace in a sub-region facing rising levels of antisocial behavior.

Vélingara served as the capital of peace and solidarity for the day. Faced with a resurgence of brawls involving bladed weapons, tensions surrounding distorted traditions like the *Kankourang*, and political incivility, the Red Cross chose to respond through civic engagement. The Departmental Prefect presided over the official opening ceremony on August 17, joined by patrons, numerous guests, and around a hundred young volunteers aged 2 to 35.

Coming from Dakar, Ziguinchor, Sédhiou, and Kolda—as well as neighboring countries like The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau—these young people transformed Vélingara into a hub of integration.

In his address, the Prefect highlighted the significance of the event: “Vélingara is a living symbol of grassroots sub-regional integration. Through this twinning initiative, the town reaffirms its vocation as a land of refuge, peace, and solidarity.” “Our states share administrative borders, but our peoples share a common history, shared cultures, and identical challenges—such as managing migration flows or climate crises.”

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(Click here for the original article in French.)

Question for this article:

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

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A mix of first aid, environmental action, and leadership training

On the ground, the volunteers were kept busy. The packed program combined health awareness, civic engagement, and personal development: HIV/AIDS screening sessions and a community cleanup day (*set-setal*) at the Sinthiang Houlata neighborhood market; courtesy visits to families living near the camp to promote a culture of peace; the construction of eco-friendly benches for the host school; and public first-aid simulations accompanied by leadership workshops designed to hone young people’s public speaking skills. The event also featured an integration day—complete with the playing of national and Red Cross anthems—as well as sports competitions and cultural evenings showcasing regional diversity.

Civic engagement versus the disengagement of elected officials

While the event was a resounding success in human terms, the organizers had to overcome significant logistical hurdles. Crossing the Gambian border proved complicated due to the lack of parental consent forms for several minors.

However, the local Red Cross leaders’ deepest regret concerns the lack of support from policymakers. Not a single mayor in the area responded favorably to requests for financial or material assistance. The supervisors lamented this lack of gratitude—albeit diplomatically—noting that these same local authorities frequently rely on volunteer first responders for their own events without ever providing funding.

Despite these obstacles, the camp stands out as an essential strategic tool. By standardizing intervention methods and establishing cross-border relief networks, these young people demonstrate that solidarity remains the best defense against the slide into violence.

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Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION

Koulikoro, Mali: 80 educators trained to strengthen peace in schools

EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An article by Studio Tamani

A workshop focused on the culture of peace, social cohesion, and the integration of internally displaced children opened this Monday, August 24, in Koulikoro.


Training of educators in Koulikoro on strengthening peace in schools, August 24, 2026. Photo credit: Studio Tamani

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Question for this article:

Where is peace education taking place?

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Over the course of five days, 80 educators—including school principals and parents—will build their capacity regarding school safety, the integration of displaced children, and the improvement of learning outcomes.

The event is organized by the Koulikoro Education Academy with support from JCA [Japanese Agency for International Cooperation], through UNICEF.

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

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Africa, EDUCATION FOR PEACE

Leadership in Africa series – President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (aka NNN) of Namibia

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY .

An article from the Business Day of Nigeria

This column today begins an occasional series to examine governance issues on the continent of Africa.


Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah, à Windhoek, le 24 novembre 2024. © SIMON MAINA / AFP

Africa is the richest of the seven continents in the world, and the second largest continent by land mass, though you would not guess that fact from looking at the distorted cartography of the globe that is used to put the continent down. Despite Chinua Achebe’s giant literary effort, through ‘Things fall apart’ , to debunk Joseph Conrad’s and Hugh Trevor-Roper’s wholesale labelling of the land as a ‘Dark Continent’, with no history or self-awareness before the advent of the white man, an aura of dark mystery and negative expectation still pervades any discussion about Africa.

A lot of developments on the continent since countries began to achieve independence from colonial rule have encouraged the narrative. Despite the colourful aura of the early generation of leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, among others, who were inspirational arrowheads of anti-colonial struggles in their countries, things have not played out in a manner to match the optimism of the early days. In many cases the ‘fathers’ themselves have proved to be all too human in their psychological frailties. The attributes required to lead a successful ‘liberation struggle’ have looked somewhat different from what it takes to lead poor, uneducated masses, through the rituals of faulty ‘democracy’, on the path to national growth and rapid development. Many of the countries have descended further into poverty and strife, despite – and sometimes because of, the exertions of their ‘founding fathers’.

A blame game of sorts has ensued. The target has ranged from a purported intrinsic, perhaps genetic, inability of the black race to govern itself, as reflected in the alleged racist trope of the apartheid icon PW Botha, to projection of the responsibility onto the much hated, and much aped, Western world, as depicted eloquently in the classic anti-colonial volume ‘How Europe Underdeveloped Africa’.

Developing the nations of Africa was never going to be a stroll in the park. 1.59 billion people, living in the true geographical centre of the world, with a land mass of 30.37 million square kilometres, covering 20% of Earth’s surface, average among the lowest Human Development Indices in the world, despite flashes of brightness represented by tiny outliers like Seychelles and Mauritius. The continent holds 20% of global reserves of mineral resources and 14% of global total oil reserves.

The owners and inheritors of such a rich continent have no business with poverty. It is an anomaly that the leaders of the 54 nations on the continent are all too aware of. In many cases, they are making determined efforts to change the narrative.

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Questions for this article

Can the women of Africa lead the continent to peace?

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It is interesting, therefore, to take a random spot view, akin to a slice of an image from a patient’s CT scan, of a few places, and see what is going on, and if there is anything new in prospect.

Take Namibia.

Namibia is a sparsely populated African country with a land area of 825,615 square kilometres and a population of only 3 million people or so. It is racially diverse, with 87% of Namibians being black, 6% white, and 7% of mixed race. The official language is English, though Afrikaans, German and some local languages are also spoken. It gained independence from South Africa in 1990 after a struggle led by the South West African Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), and supported by the international community. It is a country with a troubled history, which includes genocide committed by Germans against the local Herero and Nama people between 1904 and 1907 for resisting their colonial oppression.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, whose nickname is NNN, has been in office since 21st March, 2025. She is the fifth President of Namibia, and the first female. She had earlier served as Vice President, and before that as Minister of Women’s Affairs.

Namibia’s Liberation struggle brought it historically into close affinity with Cuba and the Eastern Block of nations, and many SWAPO stalwarts, like the President herself, received their education in Russia during the Cold War.

With a background in gender activism which is focussed on female education, equality and empowerment, and embedded in a traditional value system that is reticent about LGBTQ and abortion issues, NNN has always been an outspoken lady. Namibia is ranked as an upper middle-class country, but the wealth is in the hands of a small minority, predominantly white, and poverty is rife. She tries to draw a fine line between the racial harmony of Namibia and the situation in South Africa.

It is early days to speak of achievements in the office of President, at barely one year old. As Minister of Women’s Affairs, NNN had pushed Equality Laws and the combating of domestic violence. She had been an active voice internationally on Women, Peace and Security. As President she is driving a close relationship with the private sector to boost job creation, and powering a National Youth Fund dedicated to skills training, apprenticeship and support for Small Scale Enterprises led by youths. She has promoted community empowerment through grassroots programmes for after school and general development. She has decided to offer free education targeted at the poor in public universities and technical colleges. There is a vigorous land reform process in the works. National minerals, which with agriculture form the mainstay of the country’s economy, are to undergo local processing instead of being exported raw. Historical disparities leading to glaring inequities are in focus. There is a push to increase housing for the poor and increase investment in deprived regions.

Hifikepunye Pohamba, one of her predecessors as President, won the prestigious Mo Ibrahim Foundation prize for exemplary African leadership, commitment to democracy and peaceful exit from office in 2014.

Those are big shoes to step into. It would be interesting to watch NNN, and developments in Namibia, over the next few years.

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Africa, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Culture suspends all beauty pageants

. . WOMEN’S EQUALITY . .

An article from Radio France International

Beauty pageants in Burkina Faso have come to a halt. On Monday, June 8, the Ministry of Culture announced the suspension of all such competitions pending a review of how they are managed. Authorities cite the need to uphold national cultural values ​​and to align these events with the ideals of the popular progressive revolution.


Noélie Congo Salouka, Director General of Culture and Arts for Burkina Faso. © Facebook/Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism of Burkina Faso

Beauty queens and pageant contestants will no longer appear on stage in Burkina Faso until further notice. The authorities’ goal is to preserve “Burkinabe cultural identity” and “ensure respect for moral values.”

(Article continued in right column)

(click here for the original article in French.)

Question related to this article:

Protecting women and girls against violence, Is progress being made?

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

(Article continued from left column)

In her statement, Noélie Congo Salouka, Director General of Culture and Arts, explains that this pause is intended to allow for a review of the regulatory framework governing these events, with the aim of imposing stricter controls on their organization. In the meantime, no further permits will be issued.

Criticism

However, within the events sector, the decision came as no surprise. In recent months, beauty pageants had drawn increasing criticism, with some members of the public faulting them for focusing solely on the physical appearance of young women. Sponsors had also become scarcer, putting organizers in financial difficulty.

The fact remains that this suspension threatens to destabilize an entire economic ecosystem: communication agencies, stylists, fashion designers, artists, and performance venues will all be affected while the authorities define a new framework for these competitions.

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Africa, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

African Youth Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and AU Agenda 2063: From Dialogue to Action

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

Special to CPNN from Winner Ogogo

“Beyond the borders that separate us lies a shared purpose, to build an Africa that is peaceful, inclusive, innovative, and driven by the potential of its young people.”

This vision came alive at the 6th African Youth SDGs Summit, held in Accra, Ghana, from 23–25 July 2026, where young leaders, policymakers, innovators, and development practitioners from across the continent gathered to advance conversations on sustainable development and the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The summit reinforced an important reality: Africa’s youth are not merely beneficiaries of development, they are active contributors, innovators, and leaders driving solutions within their communities.

Among the voices contributing to these continental conversations was Winner Ogogo, a Nigerian peacebuilder, communication specialist, and Founder of the Humanitarian Advocacy Peace and Education Initiative (HAPEI). As a panel speaker, she joined fellow leaders in the session, “Breaking Barriers: Unlocking the Full Potential of Women and Marginalized Voices,” where discussions centered on creating inclusive systems that enable women and marginalized communities to fully participate in Africa’s development.

Drawing from her experience in grassroots peacebuilding and youth empowerment, Winner emphasized that sustainable development cannot be achieved without intentional inclusion.

Every voice counts

“When every voice counts, every solution becomes stronger. True inclusion goes beyond representation, it requires creating opportunities for meaningful participation and shared leadership.”

(article continued in right column)

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

Question for this article:

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

(article continued from left column)

She further stressed that if Africa is truly committed to the promise of leaving no one behind, then governments, institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners must move beyond symbolic participation. Young people, women, persons with disabilities, indigenous communities, rural populations, and other underrepresented groups must be recognized as partners in shaping policies, designing programmes, and making decisions that directly affect their lives.

The panel highlighted that empowering women and marginalized communities is not solely a matter of social justice; it is a strategic investment in Africa’s peace, economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. Inclusive societies are more resilient, more prosperous, and better positioned to address the complex challenges facing the continent.

For lasting change

Reflecting on the discussions, Winner concluded:

“Lasting change happens when we move beyond consultation to genuine collaboration, where communities are not merely beneficiaries of development but co-creators of the future we seek to build.”

Beyond the formal sessions, the summit fostered collaboration among delegates from across Africa, creating opportunities for cross-border partnerships, cultural exchange, and shared learning. These interactions reflected the spirit of Pan-Africanism envisioned in Agenda 2063 – an Africa driven by its people, where collaboration, innovation, and unity become the foundation for sustainable progress.

As Africa accelerates efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and realizing the aspirations of Agenda 2063, one message emerged clearly from the summit: the continent’s greatest resource is its people, particularly its young people. Investing in youth leadership, promoting gender equality, and ensuring inclusive participation are no longer optional, they are essential for building the peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Africa we all envision.

The future of Africa will not be shaped by aspirations alone. It will be shaped by young people who are willing to lead, collaborate, and transform ideas into action, one community, one partnership, and one solution at a time.

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Africa, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The China–Gulf axis is reshaping renewable energy in the Global South

.. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ..

An article by Safa Joudeh in the East Asia Forum (reprinted according to Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International

The United Arab Emirates and China are jointly delivering utility-scale wind and solar projects, with the former providing diplomatic access and financial firepower and the latter delivering the technology and construction.

In late 2025, the UAE-based company Global South Utilities launched 50-megawatt solar projects in the Central African Republic and Madagascar with Chinese firms supplying core technology. In early 2026, UAE state-owned renewable energy giant Masdar signed an agreement to build and operate the 300-megawatt Guzar Solar and Battery Energy Storage Project in Uzbekistan, again using Chinese photovoltaic modules and battery storage systems.


From Argentina to Costa Rica and Chile, Masdar is looking to replicate this model through partnerships with Latin American state-run energy projects, with China serving as the critical enabler anchoring supply chains, co-financing deals and deploying infrastructure at scale.

This pattern of China–UAE cooperation is likely to accelerate as global energy markets remain volatile following the US–Israeli war on Iran. Governments across the Global South are seeking to diversify into renewable energy sources, creating new market opportunities for emerging players. While this pattern first emerged due to energy disruptions in the wake of the pandemic, increased volatility in global energy markets in the wake of the US–Israeli war on Iran promises to further accelerate this trend

The China–UAE renewable energy axis is more than a commercial partnership. It is a convergence of state-capitalist models that is reshaping energy transitions in the Global South. By jointly expanding their global energy engagements, China and the UAE are systematically extending their strategic and commercial footprints in global energy markets, and in doing so ushering in an increasingly multipolar global energy order.

Fossil fuels still supply nearly 60 per cent of global electricity generation, with nuclear accounting for 9 per cent and renewables around one third. But the balance is beginning to shift, as renewables now drive nearly three-quarters of the year-on-year growth in electricity generation — even as fossil-fuel output continues to rise.

The drivers are largely economic. Hybrid solar and wind systems combined with battery storage can now deliver electricity at costs competitive with coal and gas. With financing and infrastructure support, green transitions are not only viable but financially rational.

Geopolitical shocks have strengthened this shift, beginning with the disruption to global oil and gas markets following international sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which supplies 80 per cent of crude oil and 90 per cent of liquefied natural gas bound for Asian markets, has triggered a severe oil supply shock.

(Continued in right column)

Question for this article:

Are we making progress in renewable energy?

(Continued from left column)

Policy responses have been contradictory. Some governments have sought to ensure fossil fuel accessibility by ramping up coal output and reinstating energy subsidies. But the crisis has also accelerated a longer-term reorientation. India is fast-tracking its wind and solar pipelines alongside emergency coal measures, while Indonesia has ordered 100 gigawatts of solar capacity and is targeting full vehicle electrification. The Philippines has also fast-tracked 1.5 gigawatts of renewable projects to secure domestic power delivery.

Against this backdrop, Chinese and Gulf companies, primarily from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are positioned to supply renewable energy infrastructure. As the world’s largest green technology producer, China already holds a structural advantage. It controls 80–90 per cent of global solar photovoltaic manufacturing capacity while Chinese firms account for 78 per cent of the global wind turbine market. Chinese firms are also dominant in lithium-ion battery production and the processing of rare earth elements and critical minerals.

A decade of state-backed investment has driven solar photovoltaic and battery production costs down by 90 per cent, eroding the market share of Western companies like Vestas and Siemens and making Chinese firms dominant global suppliers of reliable, low-cost energy technologies.

But rising trade barriers in the West and parts of Asia, along with geopolitical tensions, have curtailed Chinese firms’ role as developers. China is responding by pivoting from developer to enabler, partnering with Gulf entities like Masdar, AMEA Power and Saudi Arabia’s Acwa to finance and develop projects that deploy Chinese technology.

The logic of the alliance is straightforward. Gulf sovereign wealth-backed developers collaborate with Chinese suppliers and contractors to construct renewable energy facilities. Gulf companies originate, design and manage projects, using diplomatic relationships to win concessions and secure financing. Chinese entities remain involved as suppliers and engineering, procurement and construction contractors. As structural demand surges in markets where the China–Gulf axis is active, these actors are positioned as the most competitive bidders for tenders across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Masdar’s state backing gives it an exceptionally low cost of capital, enabling it to bid the lowest electricity tariffs seen in any emerging market and win government tenders across Asia, including in Uzbekistan and Indonesia. It has also set a record low solar tariff in Africa through a joint venture in Cote d’Ivoire.

Masdar relies on Chinese suppliers and contractors to win competitive tenders while bypassing Western manufacturers. The result is deeper entrenchment of Chinese technology and supply chains across Global South energy infrastructure.

The China–Gulf axis is reshaping who builds and finances renewable energy in the Global South. More importantly, it is also influencing where projects are built, on what political terms and within whose geostrategic orbit countries access and govern their energy future.

The International Energy Agency projects global renewable electricity capacity will expand by thousands of gigawatts by 2030, with global state-backed utilities positioned to dominate this landscape. The emerging risk is that the energy transition, conceived as an ecological project, is being consolidated into a new model of capital accumulation and infrastructure dependency, with a new set of state-backed green utility managers at its centre.

Africa, East Asia, Mideast, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, ,

Burkina Faso/Culture: The 6th edition of FESCUSAN opens its doors at the Jean-Pierre Guingané Cultural Center

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

An article in Le Faso

The 6th edition of the San Culture Festival (FESCUSAN) officially opened on Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Ouagadougou. Scheduled to run until May 31 at the Jean-Pierre Guingané Cultural Center, the event highlights the cultural, artistic, and gastronomic values ​​of the San people.

Under the theme “Culture: A Factor of Peace and Unity in a Multiethnic Burkina Faso,” this edition brings together the sons and daughters of the San community to promote their rich cultural heritage within a context of social cohesion and… Living together. The Dafing (Marka) community is the guest of honor at this 6th edition.


Video

For four days, several cultural activities will punctuate the festival. Visitors will be able to discover traditional dances and songs, visit a craft exhibition, and also explore San cuisine, which will be featured throughout the event.

The organizers invite the people of Ouagadougou to come to the Jean-Pierre Guingané Cultural Center to discover the cultural specificities of the San people and share moments of fraternity around traditional Burkinabè values.

The festival’s promoter, who is also the president of the organizing committee, Urbain Toé, emphasized that this San cultural festival is not just a festive event but a place of remembrance, education, appreciation, and transmission. “At a time when the challenges of globalization threaten cultural homogeneity, it is our duty to preserve what our ancestors have given us.” “Our most precious legacy is our cultural identity,” he emphasized. According to him, the festival aims to showcase San culture in all its forms: language, traditional dances and music, crafts and weaving, gastronomy, and many other forms of knowledge.

Representing the Minister of Culture at the opening ceremony, Marguerite Douanio praised the festival’s importance in safeguarding and transmitting national cultural heritage. “The San people, through their language, social organization, and artistic and spiritual practices, have built an invaluable cultural heritage over centuries. FESCUSAN, now in its 6th edition, is a precious opportunity to revisit this wealth, revive it, share it, and above all, pass it on to younger generations. Through traditional dances and songs, masks, craft exhibitions, and local cuisine, this festival highlights everything that makes our heritage so grand and unique.” “This festival is a cultural event,” emphasized the representative of the Minister of Culture.

(article continued in right column)

(Click here for the French version of this article)

Question related to this article:

 

Can festivals help create peace at the community level?

(article continued from left column)

For her, this festival is also a platform for dialogue between the past and the present, between tradition and modernity, and between generations. “In a global context marked by globalization, it is imperative for each people to strengthen its cultural identity so as not to dissolve into a uniform mold. This festival therefore constitutes a strong and resolute response to this challenge of our time. I would like to emphasize here that culture is not a heritage frozen in the past. It is dynamic, evolving, and alive. It is also a factor in economic, social, and even political development. Cultural and creative industries offer opportunities for employment, income, and exchange. Traditional crafts, gastronomy, and musical instruments are export products and drivers of innovation.

That is why I am calling on young people: embrace your culture. Do not see it as mere folklore, but as a solid foundation upon which to build an authentic and prosperous future. Be proud of your heritage.” “Origins, names, languages, rites, and traditions. Progress does not mean abandoning oneself, but rather valuing who we are in harmony with others,” stated Ms. Douanio.

According to the sponsors’ representative, Mathieu Boro, the San community, through this festival, demonstrates once again its immense cultural richness, its resilience, and above all, its commitment to preserving, promoting, and transmitting its cultural identity to present and future generations. “In an increasingly globalized world, where cultures tend to become more uniform, it is imperative for each community to reclaim its roots, strengthen its sense of identity, and defend its tangible and intangible heritage.

This festival is therefore not just a simple celebration. It is an act of remembrance, an act of transmission.”

It is also a space for dialogue between generations, a bridge between the glorious past, the dynamic present, and the future we hope will be rich in values. These values ​​are not just words. They are at the heart of our traditional conflict management mechanisms. Before modern institutions were established, it was our traditional chiefs, our elders, our griots, our blacksmiths, who worked every day to maintain social peace, reconcile families, and prevent violence,” Mr. Boro explained.

For Céline Zina Bayé, representative of the Dafing community (Marka), true peace is not decreed solely through political agreements. Rather, it is built, step by step, in hearts and minds, through education, mutual respect, listening, and dialogue. “This is where culture plays an irreplaceable role.” Through music, dance, storytelling, proverbs, and traditional ceremonies, San culture teaches solidarity, justice, conviviality, and respect for others. Yes, peace can emerge from culture when it is used as a lever for inclusion, sharing, and unity. And this is how we will move from peace through culture to a true culture of peace. This requires a profound paradigm shift: considering culture not as a luxury or a distraction, but as a pillar of development, a tool for resilience, and a gentle weapon against violence and intolerance,” she noted. She concluded by thanking the organizers for the honor bestowed upon their community with this edition.

Through this cultural initiative, the festival organizers intend to contribute to strengthening national unity and promoting cultural diversity in Burkina Faso.

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Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION