Kananga, 17 May 2013 – In Kananga, Western Kasai province, the Electoral, Public Information and Civil Affairs sections of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), in partnership with the High Council for Youth, organized, on 16 May 2013, a training session on the theme of "The youth's contribution to the development of democracy". Nearly one hundred young people from various youths' associations of the town took part in these activities.

While addressing the theme of the session, Moussa Seyni, of the Electoral division, discussed the need for young people to participate in political and social development, the challenges to their political engagement, and some of the legal instruments guaranteeing their rights. "Young people represent a force to reckon with today, and for that reason, no community can, without the participation of young people, hope to achieve political, economic and cultural advancement, "he said. Young people, he added, have the power to bring a positive change in the management of their community through making responsible choices, demonstrating an increased sense of civic responsibility and, showing determination and commitment.

The aim of this training was to help consolidate the peace climate in Western Kasaï, paving the way for the peaceful conduct of the future provincial, municipal and local elections. Following the workshop, participants developed messages of peace to be addressed later to different target audiences, including political parties, civil society organizations, the government, the international community, universities and schools, and journalists.

The members of the High Council for Youth committed themselves to continue their awareness raising campaigns in order to encourage the youths and representatives of political parties towards a greater understanding and respect of the existing legal provisions regarding youth sensitization, particularly in election time.

The young leaders of this space of communication pledged to learn how to conduct debates on all aspects of life at the provincial level, and to undertake unifying actions to strengthen social cohesion within the province.

Lansana Dabo/MONUSCO