Tchamba-Nzassi, Congo Brazzaville—UPF-Congo sponsored the fourth occurrence of Peace Road in this country, with this 2018 version drawing 600 participants who walked seven kilometers (four and one-half miles) from the Maboke Market to the Tchamba-Nzassi Town Hall.
The event was graced with the presence of the prefect of the city of Pointe Noire (second largest city in Congo Brazzaville), Alexandre Honoré Pake; the mayor of Tchamba-Nzassi, the mayors of four cities in the District of Pointe-Noire, directors of societies, religious leaders, Ambassadors for Peace, and members of the Women’s Federation for World Peace and the Family Federation for World Peace. There were also representatives of companies cosponsoring the event, which included Global Development, Bralico, Union Business, and Business Partner.
The event opened with a welcome by Victor Matondo, chairman of Pointe-Noire, who said, “All of us have a deep longing for peace. However, we all struggle to realize and achieve peace through our behavior and everyday life.” His remarks were followed by a set of exercises led by a local sports council. Then the march began after two doves were released by Mr. Pake and Rev. Norbert Ndielle Moutsatsi of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unity.
There was more ceremony after the participants arrived at the end of the course, the town hall. A prayer was offered by Father Gilbert, an Ambassador for Peace, after which the mayor of Tchamba-Nzassi expressed his gratitude to UPF for choosing this locale to host this great event for peace. UFP-Congo secretary general, Tsana Clement, explained the importance of Peace Road and spoke about the vision of UPF. Ms. Sylvie Bukamba, Ambassador for Peace and chair of Women’s Federation for World Peace, asked all participants to observe one minute of silence to honor the late founder of UPF, Dr. Sun Myung Moon. Mr. Pake closed the series of speeches by reaffirming his commitment to UPF and asked the mayors present to organize Peace Road 2019 events in their districts. Thereafter a Tong Il Moo Do group did some demonstrations.
Participants were then given an opportunity to sign the Peace Road 2018 banner, and a group photo was taken. The event concluded with refreshments.