Weaving links to strengthen cross-border peace and security in Central Africa
Since the 1990s, the border areas of Gabon, Cameroon and Chad have been facing growing insecurity and criminality in a context of insufficient public services, lack of economic opportunities and citizen. In support of government efforts to tackle these challenges, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has been implementing the Young Weavers of Peace project since July 2020. This two-year cross-border project is carried out in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UNV. It aims to set up a network of 1,800 Young Weavers of Peace. Their role is to support the consolidation of peace in cross-border regions, prevent instability linked to illicit trafficking and coach 160 young people engaged in social enterprise projects.
Marie-Noel Verwiyi (Cameroon, 38 years old) and Wessi Vaissoulaye (Chad, 35 years old) are both UN Volunteers serving at UNESCO and in charge of training the young peace weavers. Through workshops and trainings, they engage youth in peace and security efforts and economic empowerment. This is instrumental in preventing the recruitment of these young people by armed and terrorist groups.