The North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been afflicted by a multifaceted crisis for two decades. To address the damaging effects of hate speech and incitement, since 2022 members of the GAAMAC Africa Working Group, Blessed Aid and the Coalition des Volontaires pour la Paix et le Développement (CVPD) have joined forces and, with the support of GAAMAC, have implemented several awareness raising initiatives aimed at fostering peace in the region.
Organization of folk dance and theatrical performance
5 July 2023
On 5 July 2023, cultural activities were organized in Shasha, in the Masisi territory. These were mainly folk songs, dances, and a few sketches with messages calling for peaceful co-living. Several ethnic groups participated in this activity, including the Hunde, Hutu, Tembo, and Tutsi. In total, more than 200 people attended the ceremonies.
Training sessions in schools on the shores of Lake Kivu and Sake
15 May 2023
Young people often occupy the ambivalent position of agents and targets of hate speech. In the province of North Kivu, particularly in the Masisi territory, students are a susceptible group and are continually used in conflicts.
Awareness-raising workshop with community leaders
20 May 2023
On 20 May 2023, 20 community leaders participated in a workshop to raise awareness on hate speech.
Creation of a song to combat hate speech and prevent mass atrocities
20 June 2023
Artistic-cultural manifestations have a unifying potential and are a powerful instrument to engage individuals. Under the guidance of the experts from the two NGOs, local musicians created a song about building a better world, preventing atrocity crimes and eradicating hate speech.
Sensitization workshop for 50 students in Goma
31 March 2023
The workshop aimed at making students aware of the root causes, societal consequences, and measures to prevent and combat hate speech, incitement to violence and discrimination.
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