Goma, 5 October 2012 – More than 50 University lecturers from Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) met during a two-day conclave, 2 to 4 October, to discuss their possible contribution to peace building efforts within the sub-region.

This meeting was held during a sub-regional colloquium organized under the theme "Rôle de l'Université dans la construction de la paix et le développement durable dans la région des Grands Lacs africains" (Role of universities in peacebuilding and sustainable development in the African Great Lakes Region). During the course of the presentations, which focused on several themes, it emerged that there is a gap between the reflections often made by lecturers in the academic world and those by civil society activists. According to Margaret Angucia from Université des Martyrs in Uganda, this observation should provide food for thought and serve to establish a positive synergy between academia and civil society.

The presentation on the historical background of conflicts in Nord and Sud Kivu by Professor Bakutu Bariage from the DRC also garnered a lot of attention. The University scholar concluded his paper by advocating the restoration of durable peace which is conducive to the reconstruction of the Great Lakes Region.

The opening and closing ceremonies of this workshop were chaired by representatives of the Nord Kivu provincial Governor and the Head of Office of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) in Goma.

Josiah Obat/ MONUSCO