The city of Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), hosted from February 4 to 6 the 8th edition of the Amani festival (peace, in Swahili), a major cultural event that promotes understanding and peace in this eastern part of the country plagued by persistent insecurity.
In total, some 30,000 people took part in this major international cultural event which brought together various international, national and local artists on stage, in an atmosphere of joy and gaiety. These include, among others, the Extra Musica Zangul orchestras from Brazzaville, Aslay from Tanzania, SLM from Beni and Ngoma Ambassador from Goma.
All deploying with a single objective, in particular that of transmitting a message of hope and peace while the territory has been experiencing violence perpetrated by armed groups for more than two decades.
The festival also recorded the presence of nationals of neighboring countries. According to Guillaume Bisimwa, director of the festival, the purpose of the event is to promote the talents of the youth of the eastern region of the country, to make culture a unifying element around peace, cohabitation and living. together.
With the theme « Get involved, let’s get involved », this dance and music festival took place despite the health crisis and the fact that the province of North Kivu, of which Goma is the capital, and that of of Ituri, have been under a state of siege since last May.
The event did not take place last year due to Covid-19. During this 2022 edition, a negative test was required to access the concerts. The organizers had provided tents to be tested for free.
By OMA Newsletter N° 587 of 08/02/2022 The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation For the development of cultural exchanges Valuing human potential The promotion and consolidation of inter-African integration
