The youth of Beni, a temporary capital of North Kivu in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, have been urged to make peace a sustainable community culture. This appeal was made on Monday, September 21, 2026, during an event marking the International Day of Peace. Paulin Livimba, vice-president of the Beni Urban Youth Council, emphasized that peace must be a reality for security, social cohesion, and peaceful conflict resolution.
According to Livimba, the primary right that the government must guarantee to its population is peace, which should not be seen as just the absence of war but as a behavior and a culture embedded in the community. He highlighted the challenges faced by the province, including persistent insecurity, forced displacement, fear of violence, and the impact of instability on the youth. Livimba noted that for a 30-year-old youth in Beni, who has never spent a night without fleeing their home or fearing decapitation, peace must be a reality.
Livimba recommended strengthening social cohesion, cohabitation, and mechanisms for peaceful conflict resolution. He also called for rejecting hate speech and manipulation that could compromise peace. Furthermore, he urged the government to create job opportunities for young people to contribute to their development in a peaceful environment. This, he believes, will help address the challenges faced by the youth in Beni.
During the event, Livimba paid tribute to the memory of Miguel Masaisai, a Congolese international cyclist who died accidentally on September 18, 2026, in Congo Brazza. Masaisai was known for his project "Pedaling for Peace," which aimed to promote peace, unity, and solidarity. Livimba emphasized that the significance of the International Day of Peace goes beyond the absence of war, representing the foundation of security, dignity, and daily cooperation.
This year's International Day of Peace focuses on the "everyday artisans of peace" who work through local initiatives to strengthen community stability. The day, established in many countries since 1981, is dedicated to peace and the absence of war, marked by a ceasefire in combat zones, according to the United Nations. The theme for this year is "Investing in Peace - For All, Everywhere, Every Day."
The Beni Urban Youth Council's call to action emphasizes that peace is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed by the government. Livimba's statements reflect the concerns and aspirations of the youth in Beni, who have been affected by years of conflict and instability. The International Day of Peace serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting peace and stability in communities around the world.
The event in Beni highlights the efforts of local leaders and youth organizations to promote peace and social cohesion in the region. By making peace a sustainable community culture, the youth of Beni can work towards creating a more stable and secure environment for themselves and future generations.
Key points
- The youth of Beni are urged to make peace a sustainable community culture to address the challenges of insecurity and instability in the region.
- The International Day of Peace focuses on promoting peace and stability through local initiatives and community efforts.
- The government is called upon to guarantee peace and create job opportunities for young people to contribute to their development in a peaceful environment.
