On July 31, 2025, JAMAA Grands Lacs brought together some 20 community leaders from the city of Bukavu at the Elizabeth Hotel in the commune of Ibanda for a unique training day on mediation, conflict management, and peaceful conflict resolution.
In a context where tensions, stereotypes, and manipulation of public opinion undermine peaceful coexistence, this initiative had a clear objective: to strengthen the capacities of local actors so that they can become agents of peace and social cohesion within their communities.
A participatory and revealing training session
The day was marked by a powerful presentation by MUMBERE SIVIHWA Héritier, who opened the discussion with a simple but profound question: “On a scale of 0 to 10, what is the temperature of peace in the city of Bukavu?”
The answers were striking: some participants rated the temperature at -5, others at 0 or 1, reflecting the severity of social divisions. The causes cited were manifold: land conflicts, intergenerational tensions, constant fear, persistent hatred, and uncertainty about the future.
Rather than dwelling on this alarming observation, the discussions turned to concrete courses of action:
· Increase opportunities for exchange and peace awareness.
· Introduce peace education from an early age to break the chain of conflict passed down from generation to generation.
When theory meets practice
To reinforce the lessons learned, participants took part in a practical mediation exercise. Divided into three groups—two in conflict and one mediating—they experienced the power of constructive dialogue as a tool for peaceful dispute resolution.
Inspiring testimonials
Among the memorable speeches, that of Ms. Annie Binja, head of the Gender, Women, Peace, and Security Department at Youth for Peace/DRC, touched many.
She confided that this training was a real revelation for her as a parent:
“This workshop reminded me how vital it is to educate our children in the values of peace. We must avoid passing on the unresolved conflicts of our generation to them. The family is the first place where peace is built.”
Recommendations and outlook
The participants unanimously recommended:
· increasing the number of training courses of this type, as conflicts are part of everyday life and require constant awareness;
· creating peace clubs in primary and secondary schools to introduce children to the culture of peace from an early age.
One step closer to lasting peace
By bringing together local leaders, organizations, and young change-makers, JAMAA Grands Lacs has succeeded in creating a space for dialogue that inspires hope.
This day was not just a training session: it was a collective commitment to building lasting peace based on mutual understanding, mediation, and reconciliation.
At JAMAA Grands Lacs, we believe that every leader trained is a seed of peace sown in their community.
