PREAMBLE;
WHEREAS the youth and civil society organisations from the East African Community have convened in
Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, from 22nd to 24th October 2024, to address the multifaceted
challenges and explore opportunities pertinent to peace and security in the EAC and the Great Lakes region;
ACKNOWLEDGING the indispensable mandate of young leaders, civil society representatives, peace and
security experts, and international partners in fostering dialogue and collaboration for sustainable peace.
FURTHER, renew our clarion calls for practical and urgent inclusion of youth, women and PWDs in the
already initiated peace processes such as the Nairobi, Luanda and the Tumaini Initiatives
RECOGNIZING the historical and ongoing conflicts in the East African region, particularly in eastern
DRC, and the profound impact these conflicts have on local communities, especially youth, women, and
persons living with disabilities;
REALIZING the imperative of analyzing the root causes of conflict, revisiting past peace agreements, and
discussing the effective participation of civil society in peace processes from 1990 to 2024;
COGNIZANT of the necessity to develop sustainable solutions for the stabilization of the region and to
establish a coalition of East African civil society organizations dedicated to peace and security;
NOTING the miserable plight and untold hardships endured by the Internally Displaced Persons in Eastern
DRC, we stand in solidarity with the IDPs while conveying our heartfelt condolences to families of the
deceased victims of this senseless conflict.
NOW, THEREFORE, present the following outcomes and recommendations:
THE COMMUNIQUE
Article 1: Youth as Equal Partners in Peacebuilding
To reaffirm youth as equal partners in peacebuilding, ensuring that they are represented in decision-making
processes and equipped with opportunities that address conflict and insecurity. Governments and regional
blocs to urgently fix youth unemployment and the creation of protective environment for youth, Women,
PWDs and Children.
Article 2: Strengthening the Role of Women in Peace and Security
To mainstream women’s participation in peace processes through equal representation in conflict
resolution, post-conflict recovery, and governance. The empowerment of women through gender-sensitive
policies and socio-economic programs is vital for long-term stability.
Article 3: Inclusion of Persons living with Disabilities in Peace Processes
To appreciate that PWDs are the immediate victims of conflicts and must constantly be engaged in all
peacebuilding mechanisms. Governments must create accessible platforms for persons with disabilities to
actively partake in conflict settlement.
Article 4: Equitable Resource Distribution and Economic Justice
To address the economic drivers of conflict, particularly the unequal distribution of natural resources in the
DRC. Governments and private sector actors must collaborate to guarantee that wealth derived from natural
resources benefits all citizens of DRC.
Article 5: Regional Cooperation for Peace and Integration
To champion regional cooperation by promoting the East African Community (EAC) as a platform for
peace and economic integration. The elimination of barriers, such as visa fees for travel within the EAC, is
critical to deepeening regional cohesion and economic collaboration.
Article 6: Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Impact
To recognize climate change as a significant driver of conflict and insecurity. Governments must prioritize
climate-sensitive policies and disaster preparedness, especially in vulnerable areas such as Goma, while
also promoting sustainable environmental stewardship.
Article 7: Agenda 2063 and the Role of the African Diaspora
To affirm the role of the African Diaspora as a key player in peacebuilding through policy advocacy,
investment in development projects, and support for regional peace initiatives, mechanisms must be created
to actively involve the Diaspora in efforts to build peace and security across the continent.
Article 8: Education and Capacity Building for Peace
To invest in education and capacity building for young people, women, and persons with disabilities,
equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to contribute effectively to peacebuilding and
conflict resolution.
Article 9: Youth Participation in Peace and Security Governance
To encourage the active participation of youth in governance at local, national, and regional levels. Youth
must be given a platform to contribute to designing and implementing Peace and Security policies that
address the root causes of conflict and in monitoring and evaluation of the LUANDA and NAIROBI
process.
Article 10: Community Engagement for Sustainable Peace
To emphasise the importance of community engagement in peacebuilding efforts. Local communities must
be actively involved in designing and implementing peace initiatives to ensure culturally relevant and
sustainable solutions. Governments and civil society organizations should facilitate community dialogues,
participatory decision-making processes, and grassroots peace education programs.
In the spirit of collaboration and determination, we, the youth, women, PWDs and civil society
organizations are committed to championing the principles enshrined in this Communique. We call on
governments, the private sector, regional organizations, civil society and all members of the international
community, to take immediate action to implement these resolutions.
Together, we can create a sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all citizens of the EAC, Great
Lakes region and beyond
The East African Community Youth and Civil Society Organizations Peace and Security Actors
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