PROJECT UPDATES: COLOMBIA AND DR CONGO

HENRI BURA LADYI
BENI,  EASTERN DR CONGO
APRIL 2008

"At the moment we are preoccupied with a critical situation concerning two different military groups. Almost 700 militia (475 of them from the Mai Mai group), have agreed to come out of their jungle hiding places and demobilize. A small number also want to integrate into the national army. We've just come back from Rutsuru which is around 300km from Beni where we worked with them for a week.

Champions money is currently supporting those men who have left the militia, as well as the population who have already welcomed them.

The situation is very tense; after we left Rutsuru, sporadic fighting with light arms broke out (Sunday 20th April) which could make the situation worse. In collaboration with the UN we have called on them to ceasefire and respect humanitarian principles. We need to move quickly.

We recognize your love for peace work in the DRC and we are continuing to support your passion by constructing peace in this country torn apart by war, injustice and poverty."

For more on Henri visit the Peace Direct Champions Programme website

JULIETH AND THE WOMEN'S ESCUELA
CALI, COLOMBIA
APRIL 2008

"The Escuela is an exciting place to be at the moment. We have opened our doors again, this time to 37 women and one man; it's our biggest ever intake of students. It is a brilliant, vibrant young group and they are so happy to be at the school.

At the end of this month we'll hold a special summit where members of the Escuela get the chance to meet Patricia Buritica. She's head of the National Commission for Reparation and Reconciliation and was recently nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for her fight for women's rights here in Colombia.

It's a very big deal for the Commissioner to visit out project; it's a huge boost for us and we are very excited about her trip. We'll let you know how it goes."

For more on the Escuela visit the Peace Direct Champions Programme website.