Riada talks to Victor Ochen - Founder and Executive Director for African Youth Initiative Network (AYINET)

Dignified Resilience with Riada Akyol

Wow, what an incredible experience and privilege for me to talk to Victor Ochen! He is such a powerful and graceful speaker, an inspiring human, a true leader - as you will notice yourself. Victor Ochen is one of the most important figures in Africa in the struggle for human rights and justice. Born in northern Uganda, Victor spent 21 years as a refugee and transformed his experiences into leading the anti-child soldiers' recruitment campaign amidst the war in northern Uganda. Forbes Magazines named Ochen in 2015 as one of the 10 most powerful men in Africa. He is the first Ugandan and the youngest ever African nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 2015. Here is an illuminating conversation filled with important and frank insights by one of Africa's leading peace builders. Victor explains the current situation and looming threats on the continent related to the global pandemic, emphasizing the new "corona violence" that has been emerging together with insecurities related to the corona virus. With sensitivity and local understanding of the situation on the ground, Victor also explains his professional endeavors for preventing potential humanitarian catastrophe, while shedding light on efforts for keeping the communities hopeful and informed, as many face numerous challenges in their daily lives already. At the end, Victor shares his genuine and inspiring vision that "From the darkness of Corona Virus crisis, will emerge the brightest light of rejuvenated human spirit." Check out his website to learn more: https://africanyouthinitiative.org