A reflection on violence in Eswatini
I shared with the youth of the diocese
at the end of the Mass we celebrated at Good Shepherd Parish on 30.10.2022
* * *
Violence is never the answer to our problems.
It is interesting that in Eswatini we can agree that "Gender based violence" is wrong - there are calls to declare it a pandemic - but at the same time some seem to justify "political violence" as inevitable and the only way to solve our problems.
What is worth noting is that some of those who justify political violence - no matter what side of the picture they are in this moment - do so by saying:
This is the only way they will understand
This is exactly what is being said by those who inflict "gender based violence" on others. Both justify their violence with the same words.
Others justify it by blaming the other part:
You reap what you sow
as if they were now being "forced" to retaliate fire with fire or an eye for an eye. The sad truth seems to be that they are unable to offer anything different.
We should not be deceived by those who believe that one type of violence is wrong but the other one is right.
Violence is never the answer. It brings more suffering and death.
I wonder how many are aware of the amount of suffering last year's violence brought to many families.
I wonder how many have sat down with them to hear their stories and witness them breaking down even today as they share it.
I wonder how many are working for bring counseling and healing.
Non-violence is the only answer that is able to build the future on a solid foundation.
