Father Camille Joseph Gomis, a priest of the Diocese of Ziguinchor and founding president of the NGO Génération Non-Violente, led a meeting on the theme "Is it possible to renounce violence in conflict resolution?" The focus was on Casamance, where an armed conflict that has lasted for some forty years is undermining the region.

"When we talk about conflict, we are talking about the phenomenon of the three Ns. Conflict is normal in human relationships; conflict is natural and conflict is neutral in itself. Therefore, it cannot not exist in the life of relationships, but it can be resolved without the use of violence and that is what we are trying to propose or show to all those who follow the activities of the Non-Violent Generation," according to the head of the NGO, said Father Camille Gomis, in charge of the Justice and Peace Commission in the diocese of Ziguinchor.

Returning to the example of the Basques, he affirmed that even if one has fallen into violence, it is possible to renounce it.

"We want to create a spark in the minds of all Senegalese and all Casamance residents that it is possible to stop this situation of violence that we have known in Casamance for more than 40 years and that we can return to another situation which will be one of peace and non-violence," he is convinced.

However, Father Camille clarifies, the path of non-violence is not a path of passivity. It is not a path where one swallows all injustices, but a path where one can say no to what is wrong, without destroying the perpetrator of what is wrong, but rather pushing them to change their ways so that we can always stand with them.

Monsignor Jean-Baptiste Valter Manga, for his part, drew his message from the teachings of the Bible which advocates peace and forgiveness, living in community without division or hatred and without a spirit of revenge.

The Bishop of Ziguinchor drew inspiration from the parable of Jesus Christ to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to take revenge, not to retaliate. 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth' was already a way among the Jews to limit revenge. When someone cuts off one of your arms, you cannot cut off both arms; you take revenge by cutting off one arm. But I tell you that if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other cheek as well."

"Non-violence is this," the bishop continued, adding: whatever our differences, we have peace in common, because without this peace, we will not be able to live all that we hope for.

Ibrahima Diba, Regional Director of Youth and Sports, on behalf of the Governor, congratulated the NGO Génération Non-Violente for this initiative. "In a global context where the sound of weapons too often seems to drown out the voice of reason, your commitment to raising awareness and training in active non-violence is heartening and a testament to civic courage. You are working concretely towards a culture of peace, and for this, the Republic is grateful."

Ibrahima Diba also pointed out that "violence, whatever its explanations, only breeds ruin and lasting suffering. It leaves wounds in hearts and fractures in the social fabric that take generations to heal."

In light of this observation, he believes that non-violence cannot be a utopia. On the contrary, it is the most demanding, the most courageous, and ultimately the most effective path. Renouncing violence does not mean abandoning one's convictions or capitulating to injustice. Quite the opposite, it means engaging in another form of struggle. A struggle that demands far greater inner strength than aggression. It is the strength of dialogue, of peaceful resistance, of the ability to see one's adversary not as an enemy to be defeated, but as a partner with whom to rebuild.

Video excerpt from an interview with Father Camille Joseph Gomis