APCJ_1528_Win2010_00i_122_4 12/30/10 3:22 PM Page 54 54 AFRICA PEACE AND CONFLICT JOURNAL Table 2 ful methods of solving personal and social issues; another 162 (52.3 percent) simply agreed (see Table 2). It also came to light that many children currently participate in the conflict as soldiers; most members of the armed groups in the region are young (between twelve and twenty-five years of age). Criminal activity, dishonesty, and unfairness have destroyed interpersonal relationships, particularly for the younger generations. Lies, laziness, and the easiest option have become the new way of life in the region. The residents of eastern Congo believe these phenomena are due to a lack of critical thinking and of solid civic education for youths today (see Table 3).55 Do you think that limited knowledge of human rights, respect of human life, and gender equality contributes to criminality and violence in the region? Response Number Percentage Strongly agree 82 26.8 160 52.3 Disagree 39 12.7 Strongly disagree 25 8.2 306 100.0 Agree Total Table 3 Source: Pyana Mwamba Symphorien, 2010. Does a lack of critical thinking and solid civic education affect the conflict in eastern DR Congo? Response Number Percentage Strongly agree 90 29.4 149 48.7 Disagree 55 18.0 Strongly disagree 12 3.9 306 100.0 Agree Total Source: Pyana Mwamba Symphorien, 2010. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The failure of peacebuilding processes in war-ridden societies in recent decades illustrates how challenging such undertakings can be, demanding formidable amounts of insight, sensitivity, and creativity. Specific lessons may be drawn from the DR Congo, where an uneasy peace process continues. The ability to reach a stable peace hinges on 55. Interview, Uvira, 29 January 2010.