8th African Transitional Justice Forum

A delegation from YORJA, comprising Ms. Kiwang Oben, Ms. Heba Assem, and Mr. Enya Echeng, attended the 8th African Transitional Justice Forum, hosted by the African Union and the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, held from September 11-12, 2024 in Port Louis, Mauritius. The forum focused on "Transitional Justice and Education in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges for Peace, Resilience, and Sustainable Development."

On the second day, YORJA’s Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Enya Echeng, participated in a panel discussion titled "Equipping Youth with Skills for Building Resilient Societies and Success Stories of Young Leaders from Post-Conflict Societies." He emphasized YORJA's growth as a testament to resilience, highlighting its transformation from a small initiative to a continental organization with a presence in multiple countries.

Enya stressed the importance of meaningful youth participation, advocating for empowering young people to not only have a seat at the table but also actively contribute to shaping decisions. He called for capacity-building initiatives to equip youth with the skills necessary for effective engagement in decision-making processes across Africa.

Reflecting on strategies to silence the guns, he underscored the need for a mindset shift, urging youth to embrace values such as empathy, cultural competence, and diversity management. "The only way the guns will fall silent is if we put them down and start learning values that shape our futures," he noted, emphasizing the role of resilience-building in transitioning from conflict to peace.

He also acknowledged the vital role of partnerships in supporting youth-led organizations, recognizing the contributions of stakeholders like the African Union’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, and Impunity Watch.

In closing, Enya reaffirmed the collective commitment to building a resilient and peaceful Africa