By Jean D’amour Mbonyinshuti, The New Times
More than 3,000 Catholic youths from regional countries started a three-day forum aimed at bringing sustainable peace in the region, as a catalyst for development.
The youths, from Burundi, DR Congo and hosts Rwanda, are meeting in Musanze District, in the forum that started on Thursday.
Speakers at the opening of the forum urged the youth to use the good values imparted to them as Christians to become responsible citizens in their respective countries.
Northern Province Governor Aime Bosenibamwe urged the young Christians to strive for a peaceful Great Lakes Region.
“As you are all aware this region has been ravaged by endless conflicts; you must be the engine that brings peace to the region. You are the leaders of tomorrow,” Bosenibamwe said.
He told the youth to each look at themselves and to think of how best they can be productive for the good of their countries, and by extension, the entire region.
The forum is held under the theme, “Go and preach the nations and change them for good.”
The Apostolic Nuncio of Rwanda, Archbishop Luciano Russo, said the youth represent a big number of the African population and urged them to use their numbers productively.
He urged the youth to be guided by the Christian virtues, preach the gospel and strive to be close to Jesus Christ saying this trickles down to the communities they live in.
“This is a forum where we are called to be faithful and to go wherever and proclaim the gospel of God, we need to bring about peace in this region and in the entire world to put an end to all sorts if violence,” said Irene Kalungilo, a youth from Goma Diocese in DR Congo.
The Minister for Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana, said the future of nations is in the hands of the youth, advising that the youth must endeavour to exude self-confidence that will enable them spin the wheels of their respective country’s future.
“Work hard, use your hands and skills God has given you, you will meet temptations along the way but with determination you will overcome all these,” Nsengimana said.
