Flames of Peace (2010)

So what is a Flame of Peace?

This one is a photo I took in Timbuktu on the night of 27th March 1996 when the first-ever Flame of Peace was lit in order to burn 3000 rebel weapons.

The symbolism is the most important thing. There are better ways to destroy firearms, like industrial metal-shredding, but these are not visible to the general public.

The Flame of Peace shows everyone that the weapons are being destroyed – and in public. People who see the flames, see the end of war and that implies the beginning of peace. It is therefore a strong confidence-building measure, and it also destroys weapons that cannot be used again for war …. Nor for future repression by the police authorities.

Scores of flames have been lit around the world.