Andrew Kaufa, smm
Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation (SCCRR), a Catholic organization which brings intervention programs in environments of inter-ethnic conflicts to end circles of violence and tribal conflicts in East Africa, has committed to doing all it can in response to the spread of the Coronavirus, offering its support and solidarity to governments in the region, with particular focus on the marginalized conflict environments.
The statement which Shalom issued on March 19, 2020 from their Nairobi office states emphasizes that conflict prevention, transformation, peacebuilding and reconciliation in the communities are important dimensions of encountering the spread of the virus.
“In countering the Coronavirus, people need to be aware and operate on the premise that we all depend on each other in absolute interdependence. The common enemy is the Coronavirus. This virus has no difference for ethnic identity, nationality, religious belief, race, gender or status”.
Shalom Centre states that their interventions will focus on disseminating the most up-to-date, factual information about the virus “in a way that they promote peaceful communal relationships and overcome the spread of the virus,” adding, “Our heartfelt concern is with the individuals, families and communities directly affected. Shalom SCCRR will be doing all it can to inform, prevent, transform and contain the spread of the virus.”
Shalom Centre which was founded in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2009 has its impact in fostering reconciliation and peace building in communities that are characterized by conflicts has now reached the entire East Africa countries.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report of March 19, 2020, confirmed Coronavirus cases in AMECEA region were as follows: Kenya (7); Tanzania (6); Ethiopia (6); Sudan (2); Zambia (2). This shows an increase of cases and spread of the virus since a week ago.