DRC: Goma sings for peace

For more than two decades, the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been the epicenter of war, mass atrocities, poverty, and destruction. The well-known wealth in minerals and natural resources, coupled with national and regional ethnic hostilities have left years of suffering to the Congolese people.

In response to instability, the Amani Festival 2017 reunited more than 34,000 people in 3 days of music, dance, and culture to promote and demand peace in the still-wounded North-Kivu region, east of the DRC.

Over three days, people from across East Africa congregated to send a message against violence using music and art as their only ammunition. This year’s edition enjoyed a record attendance and consolidated its reputation as one of Africa’s most acclaimed festivals.
The Amani festival started and has grown as a family that brings together people and culture. It represents a space of celebration where citizens of the Great Lakes region can meet, think and commit themselves to a better common future.