AMECEA youths urge African govts, politicians to work against violence

AMECEA youths urge African govts, politicians to work against violence
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Tue 11 May 2010, 03:40 CAT

THE Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) youths have appealed to governments and politicians in Africa to work towards reducing all forms of conflict and violence in countries and communities.

AMECEA comprising the Episcopal Conferences of Eritrea, Ethiopia, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Uganda, Zambia and the affiliate members of Djibouti and Somalia in partnership with the Pontifical Council for Social Communications organised the second AMECEA youth communication workshop last week in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

According to a communique released at the end of the conference, the youths stated that they looked forward to a time when African governments would embrace the spirit and letter of democracy.

“We take note of the fact that most conflict usually starts in a small way. For all who care to see, the signs of trouble are always evident. Often, it is the unscrupulous agents who seek to benefit from conflict that plan, politicise and cause what is even low-level conflict to escalate,” they stated.

They stated that only dialogue rooted in a genuine and mutual search for truth had the potential to unlock and promote growth in understanding and tolerance on the African continent. The youths rejected the use of violence as a means of resolving conflicts.

“To this end, we urge our brothers and sisters in Sudan to continue treading the path of peace and insist on all the warring parties, in Darfur, to work towards a peaceful resolution of this conflict that has caused so much loss of life and suffering,” they stated

They urged the Catholic media to strive for excellence and to uphold media ethics at all times.

“Our language should be objective and allow for the possibility of negotiation and reconciliation between antagonising parties. Our role, as media that promotes peace, will therefore endeavour for subtlety and sometimes even silence or restraint when tempted to condemn our opponents or enemies,” they stated.

The youths stated that countries in the AMECEA region, even when said to be peaceful nations without conflict, were nevertheless grappling with potential causes of conflict such as poverty, elections that lack credibility, unjust issues related to HIV and AIDS, bad governance, religious fanaticism, intolerance, partisan media, land related conflicts, environmental concerns and many other issues that could lead to violent confrontation.

They stated that as young Catholics, they would not be silent in the face of potential or actual situations of conflict. “We resolve to provide leadership by acting in a proactive manner when confronted with potential conflict or by speaking out prophetically and timely in the face of conflict.”

The youths urged all Catholic media in Africa, to explore alternative, creative and innovative uses of the media with the view to promoting human rights and the dignity of all human beings.

They stated that these would include the production of media content that promotes justice, peace and reconciliation.

The youths stated that Catholic media should also continue to sensitise vulnerable youth against all forms of violence, advocate for the promotion of peace journalism, spearhead multi-media campaigns print and electronic in order to spread the messages of tolerance and reconciliation especially at critical times such as national elections.

They stated that while acknowledging that the causes of conflict in the region were many-sided, corruption had now reached endemic levels, permeating all sectors of society and negatively affected all aspects of development, created inequalities and hinders important nation-building activities.

The youths pledged to promote peace building activities and to advocate for the eradication of poverty and HIV and AIDS among the people.

“We have no doubt in our minds that another Africa is possible! An African continent where every citizen will feel safe; where governments can conduct free and fair elections, which do not end in conflict and violence; where diversity can be cherished; dissenting views are acknowledged and the youth respected and empowered to be better citizens. This Africa we dream about today is possible,” they stated.

“As our Bishops noted during the Second Synod for Africa (Preposition No. 48), the youth need equal opportunities and nations have the obligation to tackle problems of youth unemployment and poverty which often bring about insecurity and conflict in the countries.”

They stated that ultimately, the answer did not lie in bigger, stronger and well-equipped African peace keeping forces.

“While these may be needed in troubled spots of the continent, ultimate peace will only come about if the youth and everyone on the African continent will not only speak peace and love but will always act in peace and love,” the youths stated.