It is important to create an atmosphere of mutual understanding, acceptance and collaboration between the various groups. Therefore, it is necessary first of all to work on the level of conscience formation.

It is about helping people to break out of stereotypes by training people in a personal transformation through the suppression and change of incorrect attitudes. This change does not occur through preaching or abstract arguments but in the sincerity of attitudes in the encounter with the other and in the debate on real problems. The formation of consciences aims to educate the ability to analyse situations and society in different dimensions: political, economic, tribal, and religious. It is also necessary to encourage meetings of in-depth studies, exchanges, development of political theories that go in this direction.

Senegal. “The rights of others are related to my duty”. 123rf

Studies in social and individual psychology should not be underestimated or neglected. How does a person develop his or her personality? How does he or she live the experience of multiple belonging? How do we get out, free ourselves from prejudices? How do we prevent mass behaviours in which violent and blind emotions prevail as a guide to action? These questions certainly do not have pre-established and clear answers. We live in an era that insists on human rights; talking about human duties may sound like we want to go against the grain. It is clear that in the face of the non-respect of elementary human rights by our politicians, governments and military, it is important to insist on human rights and to commit ourselves to ensuring that they are respected.

Nigeria. Community Meeting. African tradition has insisted strongly on the duty of each individual to contribute to the common good. Shutterstock/Oni Abimbola

But given the emergence of a democratic world where the people become the true administrators of power and where progress depends on the effective participation of all citizens in public life and production activities, it becomes equally urgent to insist on the duties of citizens. There is development only when the pole of freedom is supported and accompanied by the pole of responsibility. The rights of others are related to my duty. If I am faithful to my duties, your rights will be respected. African tradition has insisted a lot on the duty that each person has to contribute to the common good, to ensure that the community is guaranteed security, well-being, equity and harmony. Therefore, everyone must fight against corruption. All this requires rediscovering the deepest meaning of reconciliation. (Open Photo 123rf)

John R. Mutesa