By Guy Feugap, World BEYOND War, April 6, 2026
As part of a visit to Europe, I took part in Easter Peace Marches held in Germany, specifically in the cities of Fulda and Wanfried, alongside coordinators and members of the local chapter World BEYOND War, Internationale Friedens Fabrik Wanfried. These mobilizations are part of a broader European movement denouncing the increasing militarization of societies and the multiplication of wars that are widely perceived as unnecessary and avoidable. Peace activists expressed strong concerns about current security policies, as well as the silence or ambiguity of certain governments, including Germany, in the face of ongoing international aggressions.
Speech and Key Messages
During the march in Wanfried, I was given the opportunity to speak and share an African perspective on peace and militarization. I emphasized that historically, many African societies relied on indigenous, nonviolent mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution, rooted in dialogue, mediation, and community cohesion. However, the legacy of colonization, initiated in countries such as Cameroon by Germany, introduced and normalized the use of weapons in managing conflicts, leaving lasting impacts that continue to shape contemporary violence.
I also highlighted that the proliferation of arms in Africa does not only fuel armed conflicts but also contributes to the consolidation of autocratic regimes, where military forces are generally used against civilian populations seeking to exercise their fundamental rights. Furthermore, I stressed that although Africa is a resource-rich continent, these same resources attract external interests and geopolitical competition, often accompanied by exploitative systems and the establishment of foreign military bases that exacerbate insecurity.
Finally, I expressed my appreciation for standing in solidarity with European peace activists who are committed to rejecting war in all its forms. This shared engagement across continents is a source of hope and demonstrates that collective action remains essential in the pursuit of a world beyond war. This experience contributed to strengthening connections between African and European peace actors, while highlighting the importance of global solidarity in addressing contemporary security challenges.
