DR Congo footballers champion peace amid AFCON success

On Fév 8, 2024

Published:
Thursday, 08 February 2024

DR Congo’s national team players have harnessed the TotalEnergies CAF Africa of the Nations platform to highlight the forgotten conflict engulfing their homeland.

Several squad members voiced solidarity with victims of violence in the country’s volatile east and their public pleas for peace carried a sobering reminder of civilian suffering.

Players of the Leopards have become hugely popular in the country for their impressive showing at the ongoing tournament in Cote d’Ivoire where they reached semi-finals.

Despite losing 1-0 to the host country in the semi-finals on Wednesday, the performances of the DR Congo players have made them role models for the youth in their country.

Eastern DR Congo has endured years of bloodshed as armed groups battle for control. The UN warns millions face humanitarian catastrophe amidst the turmoil.

Yet global attention remains scant. DR Congo stars hope to change that by speaking out during their historic AFCON run.

« Everyone sees the massacres in eastern Congo. But everyone is silent, » striker Cedric Bakambu posted online.

« Use the same energy that you put into talking about AFCON to highlight what is happening with us. »

🇨🇩 Tout le monde voit les massacres à l’Est du Congo. Mais tout le monde se tait.

Mettez la même énergie que vous mettez pour parler de la CAN pour mettre en avant ce qu’il se passe chez nous, il n’y a pas de petits gestes. pic.twitter.com/PUZCavuckC

— Cédric Bakambu (@Bakambu17) February 5, 2024

Bakambu’s message quickly went viral, reaching millions worldwide. Other players backed his stance in a video message.

Captain Chancel Mbemba offered « thoughts for all the victims of the atrocities in Goma and their families. » He prayed his country could « regain its peace. »

Trois décennies déjà que des millions de congolais sont injustement tués sous le regard silencieux du monde.

Désormais, le peuple congolais et des citoyens du monde se lèvent et se mettent aux côtés des congolaises et congolais victimes afin de les rassurer qu’ils ne seront… pic.twitter.com/AKg3jktgVL

— Fonarev RDC (@FonarevRDC) February 5, 2024

DR Congo also gopt CAF’s approval to don black armbands against Cote d’Ivoire on Wednesday to symbolise mourning for victims. Despite losing 1-0 in the semi-finals, their off-field stand resonated louder.

By seizing their platform, DR Congo’s stars magnified forgotten suffering. They reminded global audiences of civilian anguish amidst the bloodshed.

Football alone cannot heal their nation’s wounds. But these players’ pleas for peace carried power and purpose.

Their humanity shone brighter than any trophy could. Beyond chasing AFCON glory, DR Congo’s heroes hope to inspire lasting change off the pitch.

Crédit: Lien source