Kigali-Rwanda…..
The leaders of the 80 Youth initiatives from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, on 14th – 17th March 2023 at the GREAT LAKES YOUTH NETWORK FOR DIALOGUE AND PEACE Multi-Stakeholders Conference are concerned with utmost sadness and shock of the news that some of the youth initiative leaders in the Eastern Congo have been displaced by the recent violence going on in DRC and are now living at friends’ homes more than 75 kilometers from their original homes and work places. In particular, Raphael Nguba, Elisee Mutima, Giselle Kahambu and Racheal Kitshanga who have lost their sources of livelihood just like their fellow countrymen and women in the conflict zone.
Delegates at the conference called upon member states to deliberately expedite a cessation of hostilities and open channels of dialogue as a means to permanently solve the repeated violence in the Eastern Congo.The current situation made it impossible for DRC counterparts to turn up for this event in fear for their security.
“As young people we are convinced that the current situation is not only a lesson but also shall strengthen the resolve of the Youth in Great Lakes Region to stand in unity and persevere by advocating for non-violent means of resolving conflict”…….Ahmed Menya , peace activist from Uganda
We have faith in the able leadership of our Heads of State and call upon your commitment and determination towards a Peaceful region. We equally appreciate the role of our Regional bloc such as EAC, ICGLR and IGAD and reiterate our support as Youth in ensuring security and peace as a mean of achieving the Africa’s Vision 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals – Vision 2030.
