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In celebration of Mozambique Independence Day, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) partnered with Associação Jovem Activo Mozambique to host a peace walk and dialogue. The event, which saw participation from over 50 attendees, sought to spread awareness about peace and encourage tangible solutions for maintaining peace in Mozambique.
The event kicked off with the singing of the national anthem, filling the square with a sense of patriotism and unity. Participants then embarked on a peace walk to the Samora Moises Machel School, symbolizing their commitment to a peaceful future. The walk was followed by inter-generational dialogues on peace, story-telling sessions, and interactive activities that engaged both youth and adults.
During the storytelling activities, older citizens of the community passionately shared their experiences of life before independence over a communal meal. Their vivid recollections provided a rich tapestry of history, bringing the past to life for the younger generations. Following the meal, both the older and younger generations engaged in fun games that fostered a sense of unity and togetherness, bridging the gap between past and present.
Mozambique Independence Day, celebrated annually since 1975, marks the nation’s liberation from Portuguese colonial rule. This year’s celebration was particularly poignant, given the ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado. Since 2017, Islamist militant groups have caused over 4,000 deaths and displaced more than 800,000 people, leading to severe humanitarian crises. The conflict has disrupted infrastructure, reduced agricultural output, and significantly slowed down the country’s economic growth. Young people in Cabo Delgado face psychological trauma, loss of livelihood opportunities, and increased vulnerability to insurgent recruitment.
This event aligned greatly with Article 10 of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), which emphasizes the importance of spreading a culture of peace through education, communication, and dialogue. By bringing together diverse members of the community to engage in discussions about peace and conflict resolution, the event exemplified the principles of fostering understanding and cooperation to prevent conflict and build lasting peace.
The peace dialogue provided a platform for discussing these issues, highlighting the importance of a collective effort to find solutions. Key speakers from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from the government, emphasized the need for unity and peace.
“The peace walk and dialogue were incredibly impactful. It was heartening to see the community come together to discuss such important issues and work towards a peaceful future for Mozambique,” said Guilherme Castelo who is a representative of Associacao de Jovem Activo Mozambique. “This event planted the seed of peace in our minds, and I am inspired to continue this journey”, he further shared.
