EASF Celebrates International Day of Peace

21st of September of each year is dedicated to world peace. According to the Heidelberg Institute for International Conflict Research more than 400 conflicts worldwide were recorded last year. Thousands of people have died over the years because of wars and conflicts around the world

and in particular in Africa. The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) which is one of the regional African Standby Forces has organized a peace procession this year to commemorate the day.

The peace walk started at the EASF compound on Westwood Park road, Karen up to the St. Nicholas children’s home. The procession was flagged off by the Permanent Secretary of Defence, Mr. Saitoti Torome. Under the delightful tunes of the military band, the participants comprising of mostly the EASF staff, university students and others solemnly covered a three-kilometers' journey up to the children’s home. Donations were made to both the St. Nicholas and Rise and Shine children’s homes.

In his remarks to commemorate the day, the Director of EASF Dr. Abdillahi Omar Bouh said "We are here today, to preach peace and promote cultural tolerance and peaceful co-existence among our people of Eastern Africa. That is the only way we can achieve sustainable peace, and consequently, sustainable development in Eastern Africa". On his part the Permanent Secretary called on all present to be ambassadors of peace.

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution; the day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace. The theme for 2018 is “right to peace- the universal declaration of Human Rights at 70"

The commemoration ended with tree planting and sharing of peace messages in different national languages.

Photo Gallery: EASF Celebrates International Day of Peace