"Non-violence, peace, and development in the aftermath of African independence.” This is the theme of the international conference organized since December 15, 2021, by the Yaounde-based Protestant University of Central Africa (UPAC). The conference being held in Yaoundé will end today December 17.

According to Rev. Bouba Mbima (photo), UPAC chancellor, the conference is aimed at raising students' and teachers’ awareness about the need to peacefully live together and for sustainable development.

To promote Africa’s contribution to peace, the university has chosen late South African president Nelson Mandela as the perfect illustration of the continent’s culture of peace.

In his inaugural lecture, Rev. Bolivar Njami-Nwandi explained that Africa has to promote what Nelson Mandela stood for.

For that purpose, the university will create a "Nelson Mandela Chair for Non-violence" at its Faculty of Social Sciences and International Relations. This implies the launch of masters and doctoral studies on the cardinal value that earned the first South African black president the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. The creation of this chair will make the UPAC pioneer in the subject.

D.M.