Kananga, 25 September 2012 – In partnership with Réseau Jeunes dans le Monde pour la Paix (RJMP) -- a youth network for peace -- and Jeunesse dynamique pour le developpement du Kasai -- a youth movement for development --, the United Nations joint office in Kananga, Kasaï Occidental, organized two days of reflection on 20 and 21 September 2012. The theme was: "A sustainable peace for a sustainable future in Kasaï Occidental".

The event was part of the activities of the International Day of Peace, and gathered more than a hundred participants, including provincial authorities, members of the civil society, local journalists, and several officials of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

After his welcoming message to the local authorities, Mr Alain Sitchet, the United Nations Area Coordinator for Kasaï Occidental, read the message from the Secretary-General on the International Day of Peace. Several other communications were made calling the population of the province to give priority to peaceful coexistence and to promote peace in the province.

Other highlights of the day were two soccer games opposing women's teams as well as quizzes and cultural shows.

Lansana Dabo/ MONUSCO