My actions to promote peace, the mediation missions which I

"My actions to promote peace, the mediation missions which I carried out during many conflicts, which very often occurred between brothers of the same country, are not driven by any ulterior motives or any calculations based on personal ambitions." These words, spoken by Omar Bongo, the long-serving President of Gabon and a key figure in African diplomacy, reveal a profound commitment to the cause of peace. His statement offers a powerful reminder that true peacebuilding is rooted not in personal gain, but in a selfless desire to heal divisions, to mend the broken ties between people, and to restore harmony where there is strife. Bongo's actions during his many mediation missions in Africa demonstrate that the pursuit of peace, especially in situations of internal conflict or civil war, requires more than just diplomatic skill—it demands honor, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the common good, above all personal ambitions.

In the ancient world, the role of peacekeepers was seen as one of profound sacrifice and duty. In Greece, the Spartans, who were fierce warriors, often took part in peacekeeping missions to mediate between warring factions. While their methods might not have been as diplomatic as those we would consider today, the underlying principle was the same: true leadership in times of strife comes not from the desire for power or glory, but from the willingness to serve and bring about a resolution for the greater good. Similarly, the Romans recognized the importance of peace in maintaining the integrity of the empire, and their diplomats, though often representatives of the emperor, also played a role in trying to calm internal conflicts within the empire. Much like Bongo, they recognized that the mediation of conflicts between divided factions could prevent greater wars and internal collapse. Their peacekeepers, too, were motivated not by personal glory, but by the survival of the state and the prosperity of its people.

The prophet Muhammad and his early followers also exemplified the selfless pursuit of peace in a world filled with division and war. In Medina, when the early Muslim community faced the challenge of negotiating peace between warring tribes, the Prophet’s actions were motivated solely by the desire to unite people under the banner of peace, rather than to dominate or enrich himself. His treaties, most notably the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, were not driven by political ambition but by a higher calling to create a peaceful coexistence. Similarly, Bongo’s peace efforts in Africa were rooted in a desire to bring about reconciliation and unity, even when the conflicts he mediated were often between people of the same country. Bongo’s selflessness in such matters mirrors the ancient wisdom that peace is not a tool for personal gain, but a sacred duty to restore harmony to a fractured world.

One of the most striking examples of Omar Bongo’s dedication to peace was his role in mediating conflicts in countries such as Chad, Central African Republic, and Congo-Brazzaville. These were not foreign conflicts, but internal strifes—brothers at war with one another, as he described. The brutal reality of such conflicts, where factions fight within the same nation, creates divisions that can last generations, tearing families, communities, and nations apart. Bongo, through his mediation efforts, sought to calm these wounds, not by exerting power or seizing territory, but by facilitating dialogue and reconciliation. His commitment to peace, with no expectation of personal benefit, showed the true meaning of leadership in the face of adversity. He worked not for fame or recognition but for the healing of nations—a testament to the enduring power of selfless diplomacy.

In our own world, there are many places where internal divisions threaten the peace of nations, families, and communities. Bongo’s life and work remind us that true leaders are not driven by the urge to control or profit from conflict but by the higher calling to serve others. Just as Bongo did in Africa, we too can strive to be mediators in our own lives. Whether in our workplaces, families, or social spheres, we are often faced with the challenge of resolving conflict. The lesson we learn from Bongo is that to truly contribute to peace, we must put aside our ego, ambitions, and personal grievances in favor of the greater good—the healing of relationships and the restoration of harmony.

The call to action is clear: let us all strive to become agents of peace in our own right, following the example set by figures like Omar Bongo and others before him. It is not enough to hope for peace from a distance; we must engage with it directly, humbly, and selflessly. This does not mean seeking recognition or wealth, but living out the principles of integrity and service. In every conflict we encounter, whether large or small, we must ask ourselves: how can we help mediate, heal, and bring people together? True peace is not an easy path, but it is a path that leads to lasting harmony—a harmony that transcends self-interest and is grounded in mutual respect and understanding.

The wisdom passed down by Bongo and others reminds us that we have a role to play in the peace of the world, whether in grand political efforts or in the small, everyday interactions we have with others. Let us take these teachings to heart, working not for our own glory but for the betterment of the world, as humble servants of peace. When we do so, we not only contribute to the healing of others but also to the healing of our own hearts—for in the practice of peace, we find the deepest joy and fulfillment.