THE ESSENCE OF PEACE
By: Hassanatu Kamara
Peace is a general term that individuals, environments, countries, and the world needs. Peace signifies freedom from disturbance; tranquility, and sorority. It also refers to a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended.
Peace is the way that helps us prevent inequity and violence. It is no less than a golden ticket to enter a new and bright future for mankind. Also, everyone plays a vital role in it so that everybody can get a more equal and peaceful world.
Both the Holy Quran and the Holy Bible talk about the essence of peace. One of God’s names, according to the Quran, is As-Salaam, which means peace. Verse 56:25-26 of the Quran; assures the believers, “Therein they will hear no abusive speech, nor talk of sin, only the saying, Peace, peace.” in the bible John 14:27 says; peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Notwithstanding, what the holy books state about peace the world has been facing so many atrocities such as killing for power, money, fame, etc. Humans pay more attention to what they want and desired and not what others felt.
The earth has been facing so many unsettled situations such as conflict, kidnapping, nuclear explosion, political turmoil, violent protests, attack on certain regions, states, or countries, pollution, natural disasters, etc. Humans create an unpleasant environment for their selfish needs even though they knew it would bring unrest to the land.
The war started way back in 2700 BCE between Sumer and Elam, next were the First and Second World Wars in 1914 and 1945, followed by the Cold War in 1947, Vietnam War in 1955, the Genocide in Rwanda, etc. Gradually, almost every country on the planet has witnessed war. In Africa, we have faced the most brutal and barbaric ones. The wars in Africa were as a result of greed, selfishness, thirst for power, tribalism, fame, etc.
The world continues to face diverse forms of violence ranging from violence against women, Human Rights violations, socio-economic violence, corruption, etc.
From 1900 to date, Africa seems to be affected more by all forms of violence we faced, and the most brutal human violations all over the continent.
As a result of all the inhuman actions, the international communities penned several documents to protect, guide, and promote the rights of everyone. Starting with the different treaties that were signed to ratified agreements by different nations. Later, the UN Charter, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the International Convent on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, (ICERD), etc were the signed to preach peace. Countries all over the world make provision for the rights of every citizen to be safe and enjoy peace. But we still see countries and humans fighting each other. For instanced the war in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the one between Russia and Ukraine, etc.
Against this backdrop, in 1981, the United Nations General Assembly declared the International Day of Peace to celebrate peace Globally but later on the 21st of September 2001, it was designated as an official date for non-violent activities and to cease fire. The International Day of Peace is set aside to reflect and rethink the importance of peace and national cohesion. The world most especially Africa has been commemorating the International Day of Peace to unify themselves. The Peace Day commemoration preached peace and democracy. But one might ask are we enjoying the peace? A question of this nature is answered based on the individual’s definition of it.
The United Nations' definition of peace states, peace means dignity, and well-being for all, not just the absence of war. With this and the other definitions, the committees of organizations handling peace prevalence are working assiduously to ensure the people savor it.
As an African, I want to see Africa appreciate peace and the people live as one with compassion and love for each other. In achieving it the Africa Union through it leads policy making and implementation of decisions geared towards achieving Aspiration four of Agenda 2063 which says “A peaceful and secure Africa” through a strategy that promotes a dialogue-centered approach to conflict prevention and resolution of conflict with an established culture of peace and tolerance nurtured in African children and youth,
Moreover, before we conveyed the idea of peace to others, we must have it within ourselves. As it is a collective responsibility of everyone and not just a few. We learnt that peace played an important role in ending wars and even preventing some forms of violence.
It is after thousands of destructive wars that humans realized the essence of peace to survive. While war destroys and disrupts, peace builds and strengthens as well as restores.
Further, it is personal and helps people achieve security and avoid anxiety and chaos to make our lives better. The importance of peace cannot be overemphasized as there is hardly any disadvantage that comes from having peace reign. Peace is the reason individuals sit down and discuss matters which affect them the most. It is also the reason nations set up conflict resolution committees. The obvious truth is that the world cannot progress without peace being implemented.
In conclusion, for us to maintain and keep the already existing peace in the world, we are to smile at people or situations no matter the circumstance whether they are different, angry, or unhappy. We are to forgive and accept people and things for what they are, respect and tolerate every living thing and never support any form of violence.
