Spreading Just Peace and Nonviolence Across Africa | |
|
As Pax Christi International celebrates the ongoing impact of its transformative peacebuilding programmes, we continue to witness the ripple effects of our work in Central and Eastern Africa.
From Uganda to Burundi and Kenya, religious sisters are becoming powerful agents of change, empowering their communities through nonviolence, conflict transformation, and peacebuilding.
This second update highlights recent activities and the incredible work being done with our local partners and the sisters themselves, while also providing insights into our advocacy efforts, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
| |
New Beginnings - Nakuru (Kenya) and Bujumbura (Burundi) | |
|
In January 2025, 15 sisters from the dioceses of Nakuru, Kericho, and Kisumu attended a Training of Trainers in Nakuru, Kenya.
They are now returning to their communities, where they will train youth and fellow sisters fostering a culture of peace in their parishes, schools, and congregations.
| |  |
In October 2024, 15 sisters gathered in Bujumbura, Burundi, for a Training of Trainers. A new module on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse was introduced and received with great interest. By January 2025, the sisters had trained 527 additional sisters, spreading peace and nonviolence throughout Burundi. | | |
UGANDA: Mid-Term Evaluation and Continued Impact | |
In November 2024, our Africa Regional Coordinator, Dieudonné Serukabuza, visited the dioceses of Gulu, Lira, Arua, and Nebbi to assess the progress of our programme. During his visit, trainer sisters shared their success stories and the positive changes in their communities. Between August 2024 and January 2025, over 10,000 young people and 604 religious sisters have been trained. The sisters’ ongoing commitment to peace and nonviolence is helping address issues like domestic violence, trauma healing, and conflict resolution in Uganda. We honour the memory of Sr. Doreen Oyella (Sacred Heart of Jesus,) whose dedication to peace and nonviolence touched countless lives. | | |
Testimonies from the Field - Voices of Transformation | |
The sisters involved in the programme have shared remarkable personal development, improved leadership abilities, and a heightened capacity to assist others. Trainer sisters from Kenya, Uganda, and Burundi are eagerly passing on their knowledge, extending their impact beyond their own communities. This is also having a profound effect on young people, empowering them to embrace values of peace, unity, and reconciliation. | |
In a heartfelt testimony, Sr. Joyce Peter Aya (Gulu, Uganda) shares her transformative journey through our training. Passionate about spreading these principles, she envisions training more people in grassroots communities, inspired by global peace leaders. | | |
Nazaneen Inyono, the head girl of Saint Mary Secondary School in Lira, Uganda, wrote a heartfelt poem on peace, unity, and reconciliation. You can read it here or watch her recite it here. | | |
|
We remain committed to supporting religious sisters and are planning additional training sessions in other dioceses and countries, and strengthening our collaboration with local partners to expand the reach of our programme.
As the sisters continue to spread their messages of just peace and nonviolence, their efforts are shaping more inclusive, resilient communities across Africa.
We invite you to stay tuned for future updates on our ongoing efforts in the region. In the meantime, please help us amplify our mission by sharing our work and encouraging these courageous peacebuilders.
| |
Expanding Our Reach: Advocacy for Peace Across Africa | |
|
At Pax Christi International, our commitment to advocating for just peace goes beyond our training programmes and grassroots efforts, ensuring our impact is felt at both local and global levels. In the face of ongoing crises, we continue to amplify the voices of those whose lives are torn apart by conflict.
In this section, we highlight our most recent advocacy actions, where, in collaboration with local partners and civil society, we push for systemic changes that foster lasting peace. These efforts underscore the moral duty of global leaders to urgently address humanitarian crises, restore stability, and uphold the dignity of all affected communities.
| |
|
On January 29th, 2025, Pax Christi International issued a call to the United Nations, urging immediate action in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The international community must prioritise peace, justice, and the dignity of those affected.
We stand in solidarity with the Congolese people, calling for urgent and decisive global action to bring an end to the conflict and suffering.
| | |
|
Following the fall of Goma in the DRC, Pax Christi International, in collaboration with the European Network for Central Africa, called on the European Union to take responsibility in restoring peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
The M23 rebel group’s seizure of Goma has exacerbated regional instability and put civilian lives at risk. The EU must act now to prevent further violence and ensure a peaceful future for the region.
| | | |
|
Board Member Marhegane Godefroid on the Tragic Situation in Goma - In February 2025, board member Marhegane Godefroid reported on the devastating impact of the ongoing crisis in Goma, highlighting the vulnerability of civilians, particularly the families of FARDC soldiers left behind. The situation remains dire, and Pax Christi International continues to advocate for a resolution to the conflict. | | |
|
Our global efforts to promote just peace and nonviolence are made possible by the generous support of our donors. If you wish to contribute to our mission, you can
Thank you so much!
| | | | | |
