The Statutes

Title I — Name, Registered Office, Duration

Article 1 — Name and legal form

The association is named « TUZAFRIKA ». It adopts the legal form of a Non-Profit Association, abbreviated ASBL, governed by the Belgian Code of Companies and Associations, hereinafter the « CCA ».

Article 2 — Official logo

The official logo represents two intertwined human figures, one in sienna (#A85A32), embodying Awakened Service, the other in gold (#D4A72C), embodying Useful-Existence, illustrating the solidarity of « We-ism ». Beside them appears a disc in ivory (#FFFEF7), symbolising the Knot of Destinies that binds the two figures together. The whole is set against a deep forest-green background, embodying the bond, the service, and the knot of destinies. Its use is strictly reserved for official communications approved by the administrative body.

Article 3 — Registered office

The registered office is established at Rue du Trône 1, 1000 Brussels, in the Brussels-Capital Region, within the judicial district of Brussels. The full address of the registered office appears in the act filed with the registry and published in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Gazette (Moniteur belge). The registered office may be transferred to any other location within the Brussels-Capital Region by simple decision of the administrative body, published in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Gazette. Any transfer entailing a change in the language of the statutes falls within the competence of the general assembly.

The association's official email address is: contact@tuzafrika.org. The association's official website is: tuzafrika.org. Any communication sent to members, or by members, via this address or those recorded in the register of members, is deemed valid within the meaning of the CCA.

Article 4 — Duration

The association is established for an unlimited duration.

Title II — Non-Profit Purpose and Social Object

Article 5 — Non-profit purpose

The association pursues the following non-profit purpose: to promote Useful-Existence, the Knot of Destinies and Awakened Service as foundations of lasting peace, universal community cohesion and the resilience of societies in the face of fragility. It combats the illusion of radical individualism — the « Solitary Death » — and systemic inequality, and works towards bringing peoples closer together and recognising their shared destiny, in strict observance of the principle of leaving no one behind.

This purpose is pursued within the framework of international sustainable development agendas, in particular the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals — notably peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and partnerships (SDG 17) — as well as any framework that may succeed them.

Article 6 — Social object

To achieve this purpose, the association's object is:

1. Advocacy and Monitoring: observing and documenting hate speech and violations of the rule of law, in the spirit of the Weaving Word, which seeks what unites; defending human dignity, fundamental freedoms, human rights defenders, minorities and journalists; advocacy before Belgian, European and international institutions.
2. Civic Education: training in global citizenship, in the doctrine of « We-ism » and the Art of We, in gender equality, in a culture of peace, in intercultural dialogue and in combating disinformation, primarily for the benefit of young people, women and people of immigrant background.
3. Mediation: facilitating community dialogue, reconciliation and transitional justice, through the practice of Preventive Mediation and the Realism of Forgiveness; training local mediators, particularly for the benefit of divided communities, displaced persons and former combatants, within the framework of the Peacebuilders' Network; building peace through truth and reparation.
4. Development: assisting vulnerable populations, building community resilience, and empowerment through the Economy of Elevated Sharing, particularly by supporting economic initiatives led by women, young people and persons with disabilities; psychosocial support and assistance with the socio-economic reintegration of persons emerging from trajectories of violence.
5. Communication: promoting the « Weaving Word » and the Responsible Communication standards upheld by the Regional Charter for Responsible Communication, through multilingual digital and editorial platforms, content production, and combating disinformation.
6. Cooperation: international partnerships grounded in the Knot of Destinies and the Co-Genesis of peoples, networking civil society organisations between Africa and Europe, and citizen diplomacy.
7. Environment and the Ecology of the Bond: promoting the shared management of cross-border ecosystems, particularly the water resources of the Great Lakes basin, in line with the shared governance model of Lake Kivu, grounded in cooperation rather than territorial competition; raising awareness of the interdependence between peace, social cohesion and environmental preservation.
8. Research and Memory: conducting interdisciplinary research on the dynamics of peace, security and social cohesion; documenting and jointly archiving wounded memories, in the spirit of the Regional Charter for Shared Memory and the Regional Truth & Reparation Commission; producing and disseminating publications, studies and doctrinal reports.
9. Human Security and Connectivity: promoting a doctrine of mutual security replacing unilateral armament with collective defence; supporting the management of migration flows and refugees grounded in co-development rather than identity-based withdrawal; supporting the interconnection of transport, energy and communication infrastructure between neighbouring territories.
10. Diaspora and Transnational Networks: mobilising African diasporas, particularly in Belgium and Europe, as a force for transnational solidarity and co-development with territories of origin; building an international network of Companions of the Way.
11. Digital Governance: promoting collaborative, open digital tools designed as common goods; protecting data and strategic digital infrastructure against any form of predation or exclusive exploitation.
12. Well-being and Support for Field Actors: establishing, for the benefit of Companions engaged in Active Presence and Preventive Mediation, peer support mechanisms, psychological supervision and rotation of assignments, intended to prevent burnout linked to repeated exposure to crises.

In implementing its object, the association applies, across all its activities, the principle of leaving no one behind, gender equality and climate protection, and situates its action within the international framework defined in Article 5.

The association reports on its action by means of an annual impact report, based on publicly disclosed results indicators, in accordance with the internal rules of procedure.

The association may further carry out any economic activity, on an ancillary basis, provided that the profits therefrom are used exclusively to achieve its non-profit purpose.

Title III — Branches and Operational Representations

Article 7 — Branches

The administrative body may establish operational branches in Belgium or abroad, particularly in Europe and Africa. These branches do not hold separate legal personality and act under the direct authority and responsibility of the administrative body of the registered office, in the spirit of « Awakened Service ».

Title IV — Members

Article 8 — Categories of members

The association is composed of: 1° full members — natural persons who adhere without reservation to these statutes and to the Companions' Charter; they alone hold the right to vote at the general assembly, and their number may not be fewer than three; 2° associate members — sympathising natural or legal persons, without voting rights.

Article 9 — Admission

Any application for full membership is addressed in writing to the administrative body. It implies adherence to the statutes and the signing of the Companions' Charter. Admission is decided by the general assembly by a simple majority of the votes of full members present or represented.

Article 10 — Loss of membership

Membership is lost through death, resignation, non-payment of membership dues after two reminders, or exclusion. Resignation is notified in writing to the administrative body; if it would have the effect of reducing the number of full members below the legal or statutory minimum, it is suspended until a replacement has been admitted within a reasonable period. The exclusion of a full member is decided by the general assembly, by a two-thirds majority of the votes of full members present or represented, the person concerned having first been heard in their explanations. Any conduct contrary to the values of « We-ism » as defined in the Charter may constitute grounds for exclusion.

Title V — Membership Fees and Resources

Article 11 — Membership fees

The general assembly sets annually, on the proposal of the administrative body, the amount of the membership fee for each category of member, which may not exceed 500 euros per year.

Article 12 — Resources

The resources of the association include, in particular: membership fees, dues, donations, legacies, public subsidies, and income from activities consistent with the non-profit purpose set out in Article 5.

Title VI — General Assembly

Article 13 — Composition and powers

The general assembly is the sovereign body of the association. It is composed of all full members. Each full member may be represented by another full member holding a written proxy; no member may hold more than one proxy. Its exclusive powers are: amending the statutes; appointing and removing directors; approving the annual accounts and budget; discharging directors; excluding a member; adopting and amending the internal rules of procedure; transforming the association in accordance with the CCA; making or accepting a gratuitous contribution of a universality of assets; and dissolving the association.

Article 14 — Meetings and notice

The ordinary general assembly meets at least once a year, within six months of the close of the financial year. Extraordinary general assemblies are convened by the administrative body or at the request of one-fifth of the full members; in the latter case, the administrative body convenes the assembly within twenty-one days of the request, and the assembly is held no later than the fortieth day thereafter. Notices are sent at least fifteen days before the date of the assembly, by post or email, indicating the agenda. Any proposal signed by at least one-twentieth of the full members is placed on the agenda.

Article 15 — Quorum and majorities

1° The general assembly deliberates validly regardless of the number of full members present or represented, except for matters requiring a special quorum. 2° Decisions are taken by a simple majority of votes, unless otherwise provided by the CCA or these statutes. 3° Amendment of the statutes requires the presence or representation of two-thirds of the full members and a two-thirds majority of the votes cast. 4° Amendment of the non-profit purpose or object, as well as dissolution, requires the presence or representation of two-thirds of the full members and a four-fifths majority of the votes cast. 5° If the two-thirds quorum is not reached, a second assembly may be convened, which deliberates validly regardless of the number of members present or represented, no earlier than fifteen days after the first meeting, in accordance with the CCA.

Article 16 — Remote participation

Remote participation and voting are permitted via electronic means guaranteeing the secure identification of members and, where required by law, the secrecy of the ballot.

Article 17 — College of Founders

A College of Founders is hereby established, composed as of right of the founding members who signed the founding act. As an advisory body and last resort, it is responsible for mediating and resolving serious crises threatening the doctrine or the continuity of the association. Its composition does not fall under Article 13; in the event of the death, resignation or permanent incapacity of a founder, the College may co-opt a full member of high integrity, such co-optation being ratified by the general assembly. Its functioning is set out in the internal rules of procedure.

Article 17bis — Scientific Council

A Scientific Council is hereby established, an advisory body composed of individuals from outside the association — philosophers, researchers, sociologists, historians and peace specialists — appointed by the administrative body for a renewable term. The Scientific Council's mission is to safeguard the intellectual rigour of the doctrine of We-ism and its ongoing confrontation with established knowledge. It issues advisory opinions to the administrative body and the general assembly. Its functioning is set out in the internal rules of procedure.

Article 17ter — Ethics Committee

An Ethics Committee is hereby established, an advisory body responsible for ensuring that the teaching, practice and dissemination of the doctrine of We-ism remain faithful to its founding principles and to the Companions' Charter. Its composition, method of appointment and procedures for referral are set out in the internal rules of procedure.

Title VII — Administrative Body

Article 18 — Composition and term

The association is administered by an administrative body composed of at least three directors, who must be full members, appointed by the general assembly for a term of five years, renewable. The office of director is exercised on a voluntary, unpaid basis. Any director may resign by written notice to the administrative body and one month's notice; if the resignation would compromise the functioning of the association or reduce the number of directors below the minimum, it is suspended until a replacement is appointed within a reasonable period.

Article 19 — Officers

The administrative body elects from among its members a Chair, a Secretary and a Treasurer. Their duties are defined in the internal rules of procedure.

Article 20 — Powers

The administrative body holds the broadest powers for the management and administration of the association, with the exception of powers reserved to the general assembly by law or by these statutes.

Article 21 — Conflict of interest

Any director who has, directly or indirectly, a conflicting interest of a proprietary nature in a decision falling within the competence of the administrative body must inform the other directors before deliberation and abstain from taking part in the discussion and vote. This is recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

Article 22 — Liability

Directors incur no personal obligation in respect of the association's commitments. Their liability is limited to the performance of their mandate and to faults committed in their management, in accordance with Article 2:56 et seq. of the CCA.

Title VIII — Representation and Day-to-Day Management

Article 23 — Representation

The association is validly represented in all acts, including in legal proceedings, by two directors acting jointly.

Article 24 — Day-to-day management

The administrative body may delegate the day-to-day management of the association, together with the use of the signature pertaining to such management, to one or more managing directors or to a third party. The scope of the delegated powers is specified in the instrument of delegation, published in accordance with the CCA.

Title IX — Accounts, Budget and Oversight

Article 25 — Financial year

The financial year begins on 1 January and ends on 31 December of each year.

Article 26 — Accounts and budget

Each year, the administrative body draws up the annual accounts for the past financial year and the budget for the following one. These are submitted for approval to the ordinary general assembly.

Article 27 — Audit committee

The general assembly may appoint an audit committee composed of full members or third parties, responsible for reviewing financial and administrative operations.

Article 28 — Statutory registers and UBO register

The association keeps at its registered office the registers required by law: the register of members, as well as the registers of the minutes of the general assembly and of the administrative body. Any full member may consult them upon written request to the administrative body. The association also registers its beneficial owners in the UBO register, in accordance with applicable legislation.

Title X — Internal Rules of Procedure

Article 29 — Internal Rules and Charter

The administrative body establishes internal rules of procedure. These Internal Rules specify the arrangements for applying these statutes and incorporate the « Companions' Charter of the Way of We » as a binding code of commitment for full members. They are submitted for approval to the general assembly and are binding on members from their adoption.

Title XI — Amendment of the Statutes, Disputes and Dissolution

Article 30 — Amendment of the statutes

Any proposal to amend the statutes must be indicated in the notice convening the general assembly. The rules governing quorum and majority are set out in Article 15.

Article 31 — Prior mediation

Any internal dispute between members, or between a member and the association, must be the subject of an amicable mediation procedure organised by the College of Founders, prior to any judicial recourse. Failing agreement, the courts of the judicial district of Brussels have sole jurisdiction.

Article 32 — Dissolution and liquidation

The association is dissolved by decision of the general assembly in accordance with the rules of Article 15. In the event of voluntary dissolution, the general assembly appoints one or two liquidators and determines their powers. The net assets, after settlement of debts, shall be allocated exclusively to an ASBL or a foundation pursuing a similar non-profit purpose of peace and social cohesion, designated by the general assembly.

Title XII — Legal Personality

Article 33 — Acquisition

The association acquires legal personality upon filing with the registry of the enterprise court of the instruments required by the CCA.

Title XIII — Final and Transitional Provisions

Article 34 — Choice of domicile

For the execution of these statutes, any member, director or delegate for day-to-day management domiciled abroad elects domicile at the registered office.

Article 35 — Transitional provision: first directors

The constituent general assembly of 25 May 2025 appointed the first directors to the offices of Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Their identities, domiciles and nationalities appear in the act filed with the registry. Their term of office will end at the close of the 2030 ordinary general assembly.

Article 36 — Suppletive law

For any matter not provided for in these statutes, reference is made to the Code of Companies and Associations. In the event of contradiction, the mandatory provisions of the CCA shall prevail.

Done at Brussels, on 25 May 2025. The text filed with the registry and published in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Gazette shall alone be authoritative.

Editorial note — This reproduction uses the current doctrinal vocabulary: the third discipline of Awakened Service, called “Awakened Listening” at the time of adoption, is now named “Preventive Mediation”, and the “Economy of Sharing” is now named the “Economy of Elevated Sharing”. The mission and vision follow the wording of the reference book. The substance of the provisions is unchanged. Only the text filed with the registry and published in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Gazette is authoritative.