Finding Humanity 1. Path to Peace: Victor Ochen on Facing the Lord’s Resistance Army and Rebuilding Lives Post-Conflict
May 6, 2020
Victor Ochen, the youngest African ever nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, shares his incredible journey from surviving the atrocities of the Lord’s Resistance Army to advocating for peace in Uganda. He discusses the challenges faced by internally displaced people and the power of resilience and hope. Victor highlights his grassroots organization aimed at reintegrating former child soldiers and empowering communities. With insights from experts, the conversation underscores the importance of youth involvement in rebuilding trust and fostering change in post-conflict societies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Bomb Football
- Victor and his friends made a football from found materials during wartime.
- An elder revealed it was a bomb, narrowly saving them from death.
Child Soldiers
- Many children joined armed groups for clothing and basic needs, not ideology.
- Victor refused, witnessing horrific acts like children forced to kill parents.
Choosing Peace
- At 13, Victor chose peace, starting a peace club despite being called a coward.
- He committed to never using a gun, defying gender stereotypes about masculinity and fighting.