BY JEROME HUGHES
A YOUNG Letterkenny man who played a key role in the Mozambique peace process, has revealed Northern Ireland’s progress beyond its difficult history inspired his work in Southern Africa.
Aaron Cunningham now works with the UN in Tanzania but was directly involved in Mozambique’s journey to peace.
The country is now seen across the globe as a positive model having officially marked the end of disarmament and demobilisation last summer.
“Growing up in Donegal, I witnessed the impact peace can have on local communities. The signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 marked the end of a difficult period related to the conflict in Northern Ireland and laid the foundation for peace and prosperity throughout the country,” said Aaron.
The former pupil of St Eunan’s College worked as an Irish diplomat in Mozambique for two years up until 2022.
“When I joined the Mozambique peace process, I was motivated by our own journey towards peace. I was working alongside a talented team at the Peace Process Secretariat, including fellow Irish and remarkable individuals like the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Mirko Manzoni.”
The Mozambican Civil War began in 1977 and lasted until the 1992 General Peace Agreement. In the years after, localised and low-level conflict persisted, until the signing of the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation (Maputo Accord) in August 2019.
Ireland supported Mozambique’s peace process from the start through the provision of both finance and critical technical expertise. Aaron’s work focused on ensuring the dignity and reintegration of more than 5,000 former combatants for longer-term sustainable peace.
“In Ireland, we observed how peace contributed to economic stability and growth, reinforcing the belief that sustainable peace takes time and extends beyond social harmony, playing a crucial role in fostering economic prosperity.
“Last June, in Mozambique, I attended the ceremony marking the end of the disarmament and demobilisation phase of the peace process. It was an emotional experience,” recalled Aaron.
“It was also a powerful reminder of the positive change that can arise when people come together with a shared commitment to building a better future. Having played a role in this exemplary peace process has been an incredible honour,” he concluded.
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