United Religions Iniciative-Africa (URI) has awarded Rototom Sunsplash he Africa Peace Award, a prize given annually to people and organisations to recognise their work and commitments to the promotion of peace and coexistence. It was the ambassador Mussie Hailu, peace activist and representative of URI for Africa and for URI in the African Union and the office of the UN for the continent, who announced the news at the organisation of the festival and the public who were told on the Main Stage this past Saturday via a statement. Throughout its history the award has been given to figures such as Mother Teresa of Calcutta and organisations like UNESCO and the National Commission for Unity and Reconciliation in Rwanda, among others.

“The Africa Peace Award is bestowed on Rototom as thanks and recognition of the spectacular work of the festival for promoting peace, harmony, equality, human rights, social justice, good relations between people, understanding and the cultural exchange between people of different cultures for the last 25 years in the form of a great reggae music festival” announces the writer Mussie Hailu.

The Africa Peace Award recognises committed leadership and efficacy in the achievement of a peaceful, secure society, that values environmental protection, sustainable development, ensures democracy, good government and inter-religious harmony.

Throughout its history the award has been given to figures such as Mother Teresa of Calcutta and organisations like UNESCO and the National Commission for Unity and Reconciliation in Rwanda, among others.