The Public Independent Conciliator on Thursday 13th April 2023 granted audience to “Peace Beyond Violence Movement”, a youth association made up of university students involved in the promotion of peace in the South West Region. The association’s Bureau led by its President Jude Atonga came to present their structure to OPIC’s boss, Mme Telelen Dorothy Atabong spouse Motaze. After acquainting ourselves with the missions of the institution, we can learn and work with OPIC to promote peace, the association’s President told the PIC.
Addressing the visitors amidst expressing her delight to see young people engage in peace activities, the PIC took ample time to explain the missions, functioning, scope of intervention, the complaint submission procedure as well as the activities carried out by the institution so far. The association bureau was also informed on the privileged position youth groups or associations have in OPIC’s collaboration and partnership scheme with other stakeholders to sensitize the public.
It is on this note that the PIC underscored the importance of the visit of the “Peace Beyond Violence Movement”, which she said can play an important role in further relaying the missions of this office to the population. “Your coming here is important. We will make available to you brochures so that you can also explain the missions of this office to the people.” She stated.
The PIC also availed herself of the opportunity to exhort the Bureau members to embark on convincing the misled youths who have taken-up weapons against the State to leave the bushes and return to normal life. This she pointed out can be done through changing the mindset of the misled youths.
The Peace Beyond Violence Movement founded in January 2022 is a group comprising students in Conflict Resolution of the University of Buea, passionate about creating positive change and making a difference in their communities and nationwide.