East African envoys urge youth to shun violence, promote peace

Speaking at Zetech University’s Mangu Campus in Juja, during a diplomacy event with youth from across the region, the leaders emphasized that young people remain central to building peaceful societies and must resist being used to incite chaos, particularly during political seasons.

The envoys highlighted that conflicts in one country often spill over into neighbouring states, disrupting economies and social stability.

The envoys warned that conflicts in one country often spill over into neighbouring states, disrupting economies and social stability.

Emmanuel Kachoul, Chairman of the South Sudan Business Community, said instability in the region has affected trade, education and livelihoods far beyond national boundaries.

The leaders praised Kenya for its role in promoting peace and dialogue among its neighbours, describing the country as a key stabilizing force in East Africa and a hub for reconciliation and diplomatic engagement.

The leaders praised Kenya for its role in promoting peace and dialogue among its neighbours, describing the country as a key stabilizing force in East Africa and a hub for reconciliation and diplomatic engagement.

Young people were encouraged to take up leadership roles and actively shape the future of the region, with strong, values-driven youth leadership seen as essential for East Africa to emerge as a political and economic powerhouse.

Regional cooperation was also underscored, with strong collaboration among East African countries credited with accelerating development.

Kenya and Ethiopia were cited as examples of cordial relations and a peaceful border, which has supported the achievement of shared development goals.

South Sudan’s Minister for East African Community Affairs, Gen Pieng Deng Kuol encouraged young people to take up leadership roles and actively shape the future of the region. He said strong, values-driven youth leadership is essential if East Africa is to emerge as a political and economic powerhouse.

Ethiopian Ambassador to Kenya Demeke Atnafu Ambula underscored the importance of regional cooperation, saying strong collaboration among East African countries has helped accelerate development.

He noted that Kenya and Ethiopia continue to enjoy cordial relations and a peaceful border, which has supported the achievement of shared development goals.

Zetech University Director of Corporate Affairs and Marketing John Mwai said youth from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and South Sudan participated in the event, gaining insights into the human cost of conflict.

Mwai added that young people have a critical role in safeguarding peace, especially during election periods, and should participate in civic processes responsibly without resorting to violence.