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Day of Peace in Mali
Written by Dena Parfait, UPF - Mali
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Bamako, Mali - UPF-Mali took the opportunity of the International Day of Peace to call people's attention to the importance of peace, ceasefire, and nonviolence. UPF organized three days of events, among which the most popular was the march for peace.
The celebrations began early in the morning of September 19 with tree planting and reforestation around the cemetery of Lafiabougou, a quarter in the fourth commune of the District of Bamako. Two hundred plants were planted during that ceremony.
After observing a minute of silence in memory of victims of wars, the Peace Declaration of the Universal Peace Federation was read. Political, administrative, and security authorities took part in the different activities.
Also present at the tree planting ceremony were the Mayor of the commune, the head of the Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, and a police commissioner. "I wish that many more non-governmental associations as well as the civil society would imitate you by organizing such events," said the mayor.
The many guests and authorities present expressed their full satisfaction. "It was a great moment!" exclaimed Lieutenant Zoumana Sidibe, an environmentalist. About 100 Ambassadors for Peace and guests were present at the ceremony.
September 20 was the most engaging and tiring day. That day began with the cleaning of the yard of a very popular hospital located in the fifth commune of Bamako, the Maternity Hospital of Quartier Mali. Hospital officials, the chief of the quarter, and the mayor of the concerned commune took part in that ceremony. Many leaders expressed joy and satisfaction at the event. After the introductory speech and the reading of the Peace Declaration of the Universal Peace Federation by the UPF Secretary General, local officials voiced their hopes for peace.
For four hours, Ambassadors for Peace cleaned the dirtiest corners of this health facility. Afterwards, the chief of the quarter pronounced a very comforting statement: "Any individual who wants to grow internally and become great should join you. The most difficult thing is to serve others, because serving is the fruit of a heart of true love."
In the afternoon, about 20 media associations sent representatives to a press conference. About 70 journalists gathered in the conference hall of "Pyramide du Souvenir," all curious to learn about UPF and its objectives. After the welcoming speech by Dr. Seydou Traore, an Ambassador for Peace, the Secretary General explained about the peace activities of the Universal Peace Federation throughout the world and answered questions. A copy of the Peace Declaration of the Universal Peace Federation was handed out to participants.
After the conference several leaders were appointed Ambassadors for Peace. "I return home with very wonderful feelings," said Mr. Diarra, a journalist at Bamako-Info.
At the same time, a UPF delegation appeared on national television (1st and 2nd channels) on a program directed to the youth about peace and non-violence, inviting people to join the celebration.
Everything culminated on September 21 with a great March for Peace. Placed under the high patronage of the Ministry of Defense and the former soldiers, and with the presence of many personalities including four ministers, the march was carried out very successfully. Many associations working for peace joined the UPF, including war veterans, victims and widows of war, the Federation of African Communities in Mali, and some youth associations. The military band made the march a great parade. About 400 people participated in the march.
After the parade, people gathered at the "Monument de Samory," where three speeches were made:
- The speech of peace by the war veterans representative
- The speech of the UPF Secretary General
- The speech of the Minister of Defense in the name of the President of the Republic
The ceremony ended with the nomination of five ministers as well as some retired military officers as Ambassador for Peace.
To read UPF's Peace Declaration and reports of observances in other nations, click here.
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