Central African Republic

Please provide us with your views on the state of peace in the country you will represent at the One Young World Summit. 

The Central African Republic is a vast country of 623,000 km2 in the heart of Central Africa. It is a country constantly shaken by political and military unrest. Since gaining independence there have been numerous mutinies and coups and, more recently, a succession of rebellions, all of which have had incalculable consequences on the security of the country. Indeed, since the change of regime in March 2013 until today, the Seleka phenomenon and "ANTI BALL AK" have disrupted and continue to transform the Central African Republic leading to a state of perpetual insecurity.

Peace and social cohesion between Christians and Muslims has become very difficult, and inter-communal killings are becoming more regular in the provinces. Reconciliation programs should be put in place to facilitate peace and dialogue between the different communities. Day by day the situation is becoming increasingly difficult and dangerous in the country

How do you think your work and/or activism contribute to a sustainable peace? 

As a youth leader and the founder of the Youth Network for Peace and Development, I guided my activities to target the youth in my country during the crisis. In addition to the various awareness campaigns I organized on peace and social cohesion, I also set up a project with youth throughout the country. This project is called Noyeau de paix and through this project, we have set up youth clubs that work in each borough for the promotion of peace and social cohesion.

I worked in partnership with national radio and television to deliver programs and messages on peace and social cohesion. Our country is comprised of 16 prefectures and I traveled to 14 of them to raise awareness amongst young people about this important message.

Currently, thanks to the American NGO, the International Republican Institute, I have set up a coalition of young leaders who work in all the districts of my country to raise awareness and educate the population on civic education, peace and social cohesion. In September 2016, I was awarded the National Youth Peace Prize by the Peace Revolution organization, which encouraged me to continue the peace work that I am doing in my country.