From 20 to 23 December, the mayor had organized, with support from UNFPA, a youth retreat with the theme“Youth, let’s think of our city, let’s think of our future”. The retreat is part of a series of community mobilization activities with the key objective being a return to peace and social cohesion. More than 120 young messengers of peace - from different ethnic backgrounds, political affiliations and communes of the city - came together at the ‘Grand Séminaire Jean Paul II’ in Gitega to reflect together on how they can contribute to a return of peace and social cohesion.

At a time when young people all over the world were preparing for Christmas celebrations, trying on new clothes and packing presents for their family and friends, these young people of Bujumbura focused day and night on the most difficult of issues; peace, security and social cohesion.

The retreat allowed these young people to reflect, to learn and share their views on the origin and character of the conflict and how it should be managed. They received life skills education from expert facilitators and had a chance to exchange with representatives of the national police about security issues. Beyond expectations of the organizers, the retreat provided an opportunity to some youth to vent their anger and frustration caused by the loss of friends or relatives and the atmosphere of insecurity and fear that is reigning in Bujumbura.

At the end of the 3-day get-together that was marked by exchanges, debates, discussions and the sharing of ideas and food, the participants drew up a declaration of their commitments and recommendations for a return to peace and improved social cohesion.

When presenting their declaration, Landry Mpundu, one of the participants remarked: “We are committed as one - without ethnic distinction - to peace and social cohesion but we also ask unanimously of our administrative leaders and the police to guarantee our security and our future in our own interest and in the interest of future generations”.