Highlights: DRC: in the middle of CAN, the Leopards show their support for the victims of the fighting in the East. Members of the Congolese team sent messages of support to the population in eastern DRC in the wake of their captain Chancel Mbemba. Théo Bongonda, Arthur Masuaku and even Gédéon Kalulu followed suit. Cédric Bakambu also stepped up to the plate: “ put the same energy that you put into talking about the CAN to highlight what is happening with us, there are no small gestures ”

The new fighting in Goma between the army and the M23 rebel movement has not gone unnoticed. Especially not with the Congolese national team. Focused on their CAN semi-final, they…

DRC: in the middle of CAN, the Leopards show their support for the victims of the fighting in the East

The new fighting in Goma between the army and the M23 rebel movement has not gone unnoticed. Especially not with the Congolese national team. Focused on their CAN semi-final, which they will play on Wednesday against Ivory Coast, the Leopards reacted on social networks. While numerous videos of the atrocities have made the rounds on the web, Sébastien Desabre's players, far from being disconnected, show themselves engaged and in solidarity with the Congolese population.

Members of the Congolese team sent messages of support to the population in eastern DRC in the wake of their captain Chancel Mbemba. (illustrative image) © Pierre René-Worms / RFI

By: RFI Follow

With our special correspondent in

Abidjan,

Martin Guez

Two days before their semi-final against Ivory Coast, the Leopards reacted together on social networks. Concerted action to alert and not let it pass, despite the CAN.

In the wake of their captain Chancel Mbemba, who sends a “

very big thought for all the victims of the atrocities in Goma

”, on Instagram or on X, accompanied by a visual – the look of a child in distress, made up with the flag Congolese - where we can read “

the Congo is bleeding, pray for the Congo

”.

A very big thought for all the victims of the atrocities in Goma and their families. I pray with all my heart that my country regains its peace. 🇨🇩❤️ pic.twitter.com/zLpAjaTjXE

— Chancel Mbemba (@mbemba22) February 5, 2024

Same network, same photo for Fiston Mayélé. The native of Mbujimayi in central Kasai posts a message in Lingala: “

life is priceless, come and help our brothers

” Théo Bongonda, Arthur Masuaku and even Gédéon Kalulu followed suit. “

I am Goma, I am Congolese, we want peace

”, we can read in particular on the account of the right side. When Bongonda calls for an immediate end to the fighting.

While star striker Cédric Bakambu also stepped up to the plate: “

put the same energy that you put into talking about the CAN to highlight what is happening with us, there are no small gestures

” , accompanied by a photo of his traditional celebration, finger on temple and hand on mouth. The striker recently transferred to Betis Sevilla is active in Goma, through his foundation, which bears his name and which helps to educate Gomatra children.

🇨🇩 Everyone sees the massacres in Eastern Congo. But everyone is silent.

Use the same energy that you put into talking about the CAN to highlight what is happening with us, there are no small gestures. pic.twitter.com/PUZCavuckC

— Cédric Bakambu (@Bakambu17) February 5, 2024

Leopards who had also committed themselves before the kick-off of this 34th CAN through the “Never again alone” campaign, led by the national fund for the reparation of victims of sexual violence linked to conflicts and crimes against peace and the security of humanity. A campaign symbolized by t-shirts worn by the national team, to raise public awareness of the conflict in the east of the country.

DRC: in the middle of CAN, the Leopards show their support for the victims of the fighting in the East

DRC: in the middle of CAN, the Leopards show their support for the victims of the fighting in the East

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