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A group from Kenya talking with Alan Channer after the film

Back in London after a three-month visit to Kenya, Dr Alan Channer, Director of the movie An African Answer, presented a screening of the film in the London centre of Initiatives of Change on 1 March. He and colleagues had shot the documentary film in Kenya in 2008, following post-election violence there. Séverine Chavanne sends this report.

An African answer in Burnt Forest

On 7 February The Daily Nation, a widely read Kenyan newspaper, reported on the upcoming screening of An African Answer in the Burnt Forest area of Kenya. The article also reported that in January President Kibaki was in Eldoret Town on the invitation of Rift Valley leaders for a reconciliation rally. He praised the leaders for resolving to work together to promote peace and reconciliation in the region.

Area Chief Fred Killy hands out DVDs provided by the British High Commission to Burnt Forest residents

The now hugely popular documentary An African Answer came to Burnt Forest, Uasin Gishu County, on 8 February 2011 for screening to the local communities. A celebratory mood swept across the township where the film was shot. Joseph Karanja reports.

Paul Keitany (right) and Maryanne Ntausian (centre) ask Tugen elders for their thoughts on peace and conflict in the area

Towards the end of last year, Joseph Karanja, a volunteer with Initiatives of Change, was asked by the Kenyan Government to join a helicopter mission to northern Kenya, specifically to show the documentary film An African Answer. 500 people affected by cattle-rustling conflicts watched the film. Last week, the film’s director Alan Channer was invited to help develop a strategy for use of the film by the different communities of Baringo County and the remote area of East Pokot.

Trade is thriving between the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities in the re-integrated market of Burnt Forest

At times, my teacher would come to school with a gun. If there was no incident in the area before midday, you would be lucky.’ Julius Sarich, from the remote area of East Pokot, travelled for a whole day to attend a viewing of the documentary film An African Answer in the Rift Valley town of Kabarnet.

Imam Ashafa and Pastor Wuye in Malaysia

Renowned Nigerian peacemakers Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye visited Malaysia, 22-26 November, as guests of Initiatives of Change in partnership with other local organizations. During their visit they met the Malaysian Prime Minister and other politicians, as well as having discussions with religious leaders and interfaith organizations. Their visit attracted considerable media coverage.

Times journalist Francesca Holloway interviews Pastor James Wuye

Francesca Holloway reviews An African Answer on the Faith section of The Times website, having attended the UK public launch of the film.

Imam Muhammad Ashafa talks with a member of the audience

Urging his ‘brothers and sisters’ in the African Diaspora around the world to serve their continent, Imam Muhammad Ashafa from Kaduna in northern Nigeria, made a thoughtful and impassioned plea for them to help create ‘a hate-free, greed-free’ continent. Their acquired knowledge and skills were essential for the future of Africa, he said.

Bill Cash, MP, with Imam Muhammed Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye and the film's producer, Dr Imad Karam (left) and director, Dr Alan Channer (right)

Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye, from Kaduna in northern Nigeria, whose story of personal reconciliation is captured in the documentary film The Imam and the Pastor, were welcomed to the British Parliament in London last night.

Pastor James Wuye, left, and Imam Muhammad Ashafa, right, with Wanjiku Kibunja from Kenya

Two former rival militia leaders turned peacemakers from Nigeria brought their message of reconciliation and forgiveness to London yesterday. Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye from Kaduna, who in the early 1990s were sworn enemies out to kill each other, spoke at the UK launch of An African Answer.

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