KEY FACTORS OF A PEACEFUL COUNTRY

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it” - Eleanor Roosevelt, first lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945.
Before diving into the main topic of today’s article, I’d like to take a moment to share a brief piece I wrote last week, titled, “This May Hurt,” which I posted on my Facebook wall as I reflected on the hardships faced by our people in this country. I realise that this may strike a chord with many of you.

Quote: “I’ve been pondering the challenges that countless individuals in our community, perhaps including both you and me, have been and are facing.  “Life is undeniably tough for many of us, yet we persist and soldier on in our own unique ways. For some, the outlook appears particularly grim, making it difficult to imagine a more hopeful future. “Those who have had the privilege of education might find themselves with a slight advantage, still able to dream of breaking free from their circumstances and shackles of poverty, albeit with tremendous effort.

“In contrast, those without educational opportunities often struggle with a lack of prospects, faced with financial challenges, leading many to merely exist without any clear goals. It is truly heart breaking to witness people battling for their most basic need: Food. “Some resort to the streets, selling sweets, vegetables, etc., in a desperate attempt to support their families.

Unemployed

“Job openings are scarce, and many resort to begging, expressing heartfelt gratitude for even the smallest contributions, like E2, E5, E10, respectively. “I, too, find myself unemployed at the moment, relying on social grants and my writing skills, which yield very little income. “Yet, it feels better than having nothing at all. I think of those without any skills, and my heart sinks and aches when I consider how difficult it is for them to make a living. Their struggle is real. “Never claim to be destitute if you can still go to bed with a full stomach. Others don’t.
“There are those who lack the essential skills or talents to sustain themselves, and some have turned to traditional brews, seeking temporary escape from their troubles through intoxication. “Others find comfort in engaging in addictive behaviours.

“Numerous mothers, sisters, and adolescent girls are compelled by the harsh realities of life to engage in the sale of their bodies to various men daily, in order to provide for their starving families, while others resort to criminal activities.  “Although a minority among the latter may achieve some level of success, many are apprehended and face lengthy prison sentences.
 “For some, cultivating and selling marijuana, though an illegal trade according to current legislation has become the next, best form of entrepreneurship. “Our economy, while relatively small and theoretically manageable, is plagued by a considerable disparity in the distribution of resources. I do not advocate for government to indiscriminately distribute funds to individuals; however, a more empathetic approach could undoubtedly enhance the well-being of its citizens.

“I frequently reflect on the elderly women - bogogo and bomkhulu - many who are responsible for the care of numerous grandchildren. The E500 monthly grants are just a drop in the ocean of poverty. The means by which they manage to feed multiple grandchildren on this meagre grant remains a perplexing mystery. “Our population is suffering from hunger.  They are perishing due to a lack of medical care and shortage of drugs in healthcare centres. The situation is dire.  

Inevitable

“Many individuals merely exist, having resigned themselves to a life of waiting for the inevitable arrival of death. If you are fortunate enough to have food on your table, take a moment to kneel, pray, and express gratitude to your God. “Some individuals lack even the strength to pray. They are devoid of energy. Eswatini, my homeland... where are you headed? Is this peaceful living, I cannot help, but ask?” - Unquote. The above piece has a bearing on the theme of today’s article and it received many likes. Before I dive deeper into the main theme of this article, I must take a moment to commend Members of Parliament (MPs) for their recent approval of a motion introduced by long-serving Lobamba Lomdzala MP, Marwick Khumalo.

He emphasised the need for the country’s government to supply essential food items such as maize meal, beans, cooking oil and other basic necessities to assist families in our nation who are suffering from severe poverty. Khumalo proposed that the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), Thulisile Dladla, ensure that government provides support for these needy families.
He highlighted that this issue was thoroughly discussed in the House during the Budget Speech earlier this year. On a positive note, Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Simelane, representing the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), stood up to announce that the motion had been accepted.

The minister mentioned that the Office of the DPM, under the leadership of the prime minister, is actively addressing the issue and will take action as soon as anticipated. That said, today, I want to talk about the concept of peace - what it means, the consequences of its absence in various countries, and some strategies that I believe nations can adopt to attain, if not complete, at least a degree of relative peace. Recently, we have seen many cases where governments around the world have overlooked calls for peace. Many are adamant that peace exists in their various countries, while the situation on the ground points to the contrary.  The consequences of these dismissals can be severe, affecting not just the nations involved, but also the global community as a whole. Consider, for instance the havoc caused by wars in terms of humanitarian crisis.

Consequences

Let’s consider the Russia-Ukraine war, which has led to serious socio-economic consequences, resulting in widespread poverty and food insecurity. Many families have lost their jobs and sources of income, making it increasingly difficult to meet their basic needs. Hunger is prevalent, and countless individuals are facing the grim reality of starvation. Some may have already succumbed to it. The disruption of essential sectors, such as agriculture and trade routes, has exacerbated food shortage and driven prices higher, putting vulnerable populations at an even greater risk of malnutrition and hunger - and, death.

Despite the efforts of various countries to promote peace and resolve the conflict, fighting continues unabated. The chances of achieving peace in the Russia-Ukraine situation in the near future appear slim and remote. It is crucial to note and understand that when peace efforts are overlooked, it usually leads to persistent conflict and instability in the impacted areas.
Ignoring diplomatic initiatives and calls for peace from within and without any countries in conflict, often results in the continuation or intensification of armed conflict, civil unrest and violence.  This scenario causes the displacement of civilians, loss of life, hunger, disease and the destruction of essential infrastructure, which exacerbates instability.

Unresolved conflicts can escalate into larger regional crises, jeopardising global peace and security. I cannot help, but recall some of the prophecies of the Son of the Living God Jesus Christ when he stood on Mount Olive with His disciples.He prophesied in Matthew 24: “You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.  “Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”Nations that ignore peace initiatives risk losing their legitimacy, leading to questions about the credibility of their governments. When regimes fail to address legitimate citizens’ grievances and are reluctant to pursue peaceful solutions, citizens’ trust erodes, which undermines the government’s authority.

Conflict

This can lead to widespread disillusionment, civil protests and challenges to the ruling regime’s legitimacy, further intensifying internal conflict and governance issues. We’ve seen this happening not only in the African continent, but in countries abroad as well. During wars, the loss of civilian lives and the devastation of infrastructure often worsen critical humanitarian situations in countries that are in conflict. The absence of a lasting resolution to conflicts not only prolongs the suffering of those directly affected, but also threatens broader regional peace and security. The grassroots population bears the brunt of the absence of peace in both internal and external conflicts. Governments tend to allocate more resources to defence, neglecting the essential needs of their citizens.

Unemployment increases due to a lack of foreign direct investment, as investors steer clear of countries caught up in internal strife. The situation deteriorates further in the absence of the rule of law. As I conclude, what are the conditions necessary to declare a country as peaceful? Let’s explore some key factors that contribute to a peaceful country:

• A peaceful country is marked by political stability and effective governance. When a nation enjoys a stable government and a well-functioning political system, it fosters an environment where citizens feel secure and confident in their leaders. Political stability is crucial for sustaining peace, as it minimises the chances of civil unrest, political turmoil and power struggles that can escalate into violence and conflict.
• Economic prosperity and social equality are also key elements of a peaceful nation. When citizens have access to essential needs like food, shelter, healthcare and education, it cultivates a sense of equality and alleviates social tensions. (Recall the Marwick Khumalo motion, above). A thriving economy creates job opportunities and encourages entrepreneurship, which helps to reduce poverty and inequality. When individuals feel economically secure and have access to opportunities, they are less inclined to engage in civil disobedience. They cannot engage in crime, or violence as a means of survival.
• A culture of tolerance, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law are vital for nurturing peace within a country.

A peaceful nation appreciates diversity and promotes inclusivity, ensuring that individuals from various backgrounds, differing political views and cultures can live together harmoniously.
Upholding human rights, including freedom of speech, association and assembly, is essential for building a society where people feel valued and empowered. Governments around the world often declare that there is peace in their countries boasting about stability, security and tranquillity. However, many times, this so-called peace is nothing more than a forced silence, masking underlying issues and conflicts. The concept of peace is multifaceted, and when governments only focus on the absence of overt violence, they fail to address (or, blatantly ignore) the root causes of unrest and dissatisfaction among their citizens.

Freedom

When a government silences dissent, suppresses freedom of speech and controls the flow of information, it is creating an illusion of peace. True peace cannot be achieved through coercion and oppression; it can only be realised through dialogue, understanding and inclusivity. The forced silence that governments often promote as peace is detrimental to the well-being of their citizens. It stifles individual expression, prevents the resolution of societal grievances and perpetuates a cycle of fear and distrust.In such environments, the simmering tensions and grievances do not disappear; they continue to fester beneath the surface, posing a constant threat to the stability and harmony of the society.

It is essential for governments to move beyond the rhetoric of peace and take meaningful steps towards genuine reconciliation and inclusivity. This involves engaging with diverse segments of society, acknowledging historical injustices and working towards building a society where every individual feels heard and valued. True peace requires a commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all members of the community, regardless of their background or beliefs. Let us heed the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 12:4, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be Holy; without Holiness, no one will see the Lord...” Peace! Shalom!
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