20 Key Extracts From Minister Elung Paul Che’s Address

“We chose engagement over indifference, per­ suasion over provocation, and reconciliation over division. We understood that no community can develop where fear reigns, schools are closed and farmers cannot safely reach their fields. We also recognised that every young person caught up in the crisis was a son, a daughter or a member of our community, whose future could not simply be abando­ ned.” “Kupe Muanenguba can rightly be held up as an encouraging example of the return to peace and normalcy in the two Regions. This achie­ vement is not the victory of one individual, party, village or group; it belongs to all the people of Kupe Muanenguba. Let us preserve it with humility and protect it with determina­ tion.” “Some contributed money; others gave time, influence, counsel, prayers or personal sacrifice. Some worked quietly, away from public atten­ tion, but every sincere contribution mattered.” “We need dialogue not because peace has fai­ led, but because peace must endure. The ab­ sence of armed confrontation does not by itself guarantee lasting peace. True peace must also exist in our hearts and families, between our villages, among our political actors, and within our institutions and com­ munity structures.” Guided by our traditional and religious autho­ rities, we must also find culturally meaningful ways to mourn our losses, honour those who died, seek forgiveness where necessary, and symbolically cleanse our land of the pain of the years of unrest.” “Forgiveness does not mean forgetting the lessons of the past, and reconciliation does not mean abandoning justice. It means refusing to let yesterday’s pain dictate tomorrow’s des­ tiny.” “Our objective is to move from peace in our streets to peace in our hearts, and from peace in our hearts to lasting unity among our com­ munities. That is why this dialogue is neces­ sary.” “Every child in Kupe Muanenguba must have the opportunity to learn, complete school and prepare for a productive future. We must never again allow our children to become the principal victims of circumstances beyond their control.” “We must therefore mobilise our elites, our rich diaspora, our councils, parents, teachers, traditional authorities, religious institutions and development partners to support our schools. Let us encourage regular attendance and discourage any action that disrupts edu­ cation.” “We cannot preach peace to our youth while allowing drugs to destroy their health and fu­ ture. Our commitment to peace must include a commitment to healthy living and to protec­ ting young people from substance abuse. Let this dialogue send a clear message throughout Kupe Muanenguba: our children are too precious to surrender to drugs, violence or hopeless­ ness.” “The return to normalcy must therefore be ac­ companied by renewed determination to ac­ celerate development. I am particularly en­ couraged by the prospects of major road and bridge projects that could transform the eco­ nomic life of our Division.” “When young people can earn a living, support their families and build a future with dignity, the appeal of violence diminishes and the foundations of peace grow stronger.” “No community can reach its full potential when its leaders spend more time competing with one another than working for their people. We must distinguish healthy differences of opinion from destructive rivalry, constructive criticism from malicious attacks, and legitimate personal ambition from the collective interest of our Division.” “When an initiative genuinely serves Kupe Muanenguba, let us support it, improve it where necessary and help it succeed. If we disagree, let us propose a better alternative. If we see a weakness, let us help correct it. If we have resources, let us contribute; if we have expertise, let us share it. And if we have nothing constructive t...