On International Peace Day, celebrated on September 21, Damas KAFUNGA, human rights defender, peace activist, and member of the Equitas DRC network, sent a strong message to all Congolese people, particularly those living in South Kivu and North Kivu, who have been severely affected by the war.
According to him, living in a world without violence is a dream shared by all peoples, not just the Congolese. He calls on the international community, the Congolese government, and all stakeholders to join forces to build lasting peace.
A difficult context in the DRC
This year, the International Day of Peace is being celebrated in a very worrying context, with the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu occupied by armed groups, notably the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC-M23). This situation has serious consequences, including massive population displacement, malnutrition, human rights violations, and widespread insecurity.
Damas KAFUNGA insists, « This day must raise awareness. It is urgent that all actors the government, the international community, and civil society commit to restoring peace. »
He deplores the current living conditions: « People are fleeing their homes, young people are abandoned, and some are joining armed groups. There is no longer any state authority, and peace is absent. »
He adds, « Every citizen has the right to live in peace, to move freely, to study, to work, without fear of war. We no longer want to spend our days and nights hiding in the forest. »
For Damas KAFUNGA, peace requires respect for others: « We must learn to live together and treat our neighbors as equals. »
He also emphasizes that war hinders the work of human rights defenders. Many have had to flee or remain silent out of fear. Schools have been destroyed, banks closed, and the economy is in free fall.
A wish for children and women
On this day of peace, he hopes to see children, women, and young people resume their activities in a healthy and secure environment conducive to learning and development.
Recommendations for lasting peace
Damas KAFUNGA recommends:
• That the international community and the Congolese authorities implement the Doha and Washington agreements and all local initiatives to restore peace.
• Identifying the root causes of the conflict in order to better resolve them.
• Local communities to become actively involved in promoting peace, cohesion, and harmonious coexistence.
• Human rights defenders not to give up, because without peace, there can be no development.
By Lifeinfos.net
