African Peace Journey makers launch first phase journey in Ethiopia

The Peace Journey in Africa, an initiative by two Ethiopians, was launched on Friday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Peace Journey makers have set to cross nine African countries in the first phase and to cover 24 countries of the continent later, with the aim of promoting the United States of Africa through peaceful and motivated way.

The Journey makers made the move at Maskal Square here in the metropolis with the fare-well bid by the Ethiopian government officials, and representatives from the African Union (AU) and some African countries.

The Peace Journey makers travel to African countries on peace journey caravan preaching peace among African citizens at the grass root level.

Hiwot Adane is one of the two initiators of the Peace Journey in Africa Program.

She told Xinhua that they are closely working with the AU Peace and Security Program as the AU Heads of States and Governments have decided 2010 to be Peace Year.

Hiwot says the initiative has come to promote Africa's values inside the African continent.

"As an African citizen, we should contribute something to the African continent; I can say we have every resource in Africa; every potential for development and the capacity to help our continent Africa; so the objective of this program is to promote Africa's values inside the African continent; African indigenous knowledge that we have; the importance of peace and peace building in Africa," said Hiwot.

"We are planning to cover 24 African countries; 2010 is Africa's Peace and Security Year and we are closely working with the AU Peace Year Program; in our first phase we cross nine African Countries which include, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe," she said.

Samuel is a university professor at New Generation University College here in Addis Ababa, and is participating in the program.

Along with others Samuel has a radio program run on Afro FM 105.3 infotainment station mainly targeting at foreigners in Addis Ababa.

He told Xinhua that they serve as a bridge between the Peace Journey initiators and the public that the effort get recognition and further parties join hands to end conflicts in Africa and realize the United States of Africa.

Some 13 Peace Journey makers from seven African countries, will hold the slogan on banners saying "Stop Civil War at Mama Africa in This 21st Century."

They are expected to travel to Kenya making the starting point Ethiopia which is the seat for AU Headquarters.

Source: Xinhua