Kinshasa, 14th October 2022 – The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), in partnership with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)  commenced the first edition of the ECCAS Regional Biennale for a Culture of Peace in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

It follows recommendations from H.E. Felix Antoine Thisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo and President of the Economic Community of Central African States, at its 20th Conference of Heads of State and Government in January 2022, on the need to integrate culture in the peace and security architecture of the region.

“This biennale aims to examine the impact and contribution of the Africa Peace and Security Architecture in Central Africa over the years; to raise awareness of the importance of cultivating peace for individual and collective well-being; to examine the place of culture in the architecture of peace and security in the region; and finally, to propose the constitutive pillars of a multisectoral roadmap for ECCAS to silence the guns in Central Africa,” said Gilberto da Piedade Verissimo, Chairperson of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States.

The event provides an opportunity for policymakers and peace practitioners to re-evaluate the design, approach and application of existing conflict management tools and systems in the Central African region, including the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).

“This biennale reflects the desire of the states and people of ECCAS to lay the foundations for lasting peace in Central Africa,” said Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa. Together we can achieve these noble goals. And I reaffirm the commitment of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa and the United Nations to spare no effort in contributing to this goal of building a peaceful, stable and prosperous Central Africa, he added.

Acts of violent extremism, political transitions, and communal violence continue to test the ability of AU Member States to respond to the peace and security challenges in Africa and overcome its long-lasting socio-political and economic impact. According to the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, there are more than 35 armed conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa, second only to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

The African Peace and Security Architecture was established in 2002 by African Union (AU) Member States as a long-term continental response to these challenges. It consists of institutions, decision-making processes and mechanisms that advance peacebuilding on the continent, with its main pillar being the AU Peace and Security Council.

To realise early warning and conflict prevention; peace-making, peace support operations, peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction, and development; promotion of democratic practices, good governance, and respect for human rights; and humanitarian action and disaster management, the African Union also counts on a robust relationship with the UN, civil society organisations, international stakeholders and Regional Economic Communities such as ECCAS.

“The dynamics of conflict on the continent have changed in recent years with new emerging threats that require appropriate, coherent, and concerted responses. The African Peace and Security Architecture created by the African Union in collaboration with the Regional Economic Community must respond to these increasingly complex challenges,” said Rokya Ye-Dieng, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “UNDP supports this strategic vision of the African Union through Agenda 2063 and contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals”, she added.

For More Information and Media Enquiries, Contact:

Mathieu Kinouani, Biennale Culture of Peace Focal Point, Economic Community of Central African States | mkinouani@yahoo.fr

Clarisse Museme Bukozi, Communications Associate, UNDP Democratic Republic of Congo | clarisse.museme@undp.org

Ernest Cisse, Communications Analyst, UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa | ernest.cisse@undp.org

Ugochukwu Kingsley Ahuchaogu, Regional Communications Analyst, UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa | ugochukwu.kingsley@undp.org

About the Economic Community of Central African States

The Economic Community of Central African States, established in 1983, works to develop capacities to maintain peace, security, and stability as essential prerequisites for economic and social development; to develop physical, economic, and monetary integration and develop a culture of human integration in Central Africa.

Learn more at www.ceeac-eccas.org/en/

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

Learn more at www.undp.org/africa