Promoting Civil Society Engagement in Peace and Security

Members of various youth Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and Rwanda National Youth Council are attending a sharing of experience workshop as part of the EASF’s programme involving Non-State actors in peace processes. Dr. Utumatwishima Jean Nepo Abdallah, the Minister of Youth officially opened the Workshop at the La Palisse Hotel in Rwanda.

The objectives of the Civil Society Forum are, to share information and experiences on best practices in youth-led peacebuilding initiatives and to create a platform for young people to discuss and strategize on ways to enhance their role in peacebuilding efforts at the local, national and regional levels.

The forum is also aimed at exploring different methods of engaging with and mobilizing young people in peacebuilding, including mentoring, networking, and capacity building.

EASF performs a number of activities in order to enhance peace, security and stability in the Eastern Africa region. While it works to maintain its full operational capability to respond to emerging conflicts and threats in the region, it also focuses on conflict prevention through early warning, preventive diplomacy and peace education. EASF’s guidelines on engagement with non-State actors were approved by the Policy Organs Meetings (POM) in 2020 and the ‘Regional Youth Forum’ currently taking place in Rwanda is in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2250.

In his opening speech, the Director of EASF, Brig Paul Kahuria Njema, highlighted the importance of youth inclusivity in matters of peace and security. He noted ‘’ the importance of youth in conflict resolution cannot be underrated. Our youths are the agents of change, and inclusion of young people in the peace and security agenda is key to building and sustaining peace’’ concluded the Director.

The Guest of Honour, Honorable Minister Utumatwishima Jean Nepo Abdallah stated, ‘’ For any society to enjoy peace, cohesion and integration is essential that we involve the youth in all aspects including in decision-making processes. We are here today, to preach peace and promote cultural tolerance and peaceful co-existence among our people of eastern Africa. That is the only way we can achieve sustainable peace, and consequently, sustainable development in Eastern Africa’’, pointed out the Honourable Minister.

The forum aims to bring together young leaders and CSOs leaders to discuss strategies and best practices to enhance youth participation in peacebuilding efforts and the activity is sponsored by APSA.