Highlights: DRC: in Bukavu, demonstration of women facing the security situation in the east of the country. On the occasion of March 8, in South Kivu, women organized a symbolic day of mourning in the streets. They want an end to the war in the neighboring province of North KivU, which also affects South KIVu. They ask Congolese decision-makers to disassociate themselves from armed groups and to ensure that minerals are not exploited illegally. The women also expect equal representation in the new government institutions.

On the occasion of March 8, in South Kivu, women organized a symbolic day of mourning in the streets of Bukavu to demand an end to the war in the neighboring province of North Kivu, which...

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DRC: in Bukavu, demonstration of women facing the security situation in the east of the country

On the occasion of March 8, in South Kivu, women organized a symbolic day of mourning in the streets of Bukavu to demand an end to the war in the neighboring province of North Kivu, which also affects South Kivu.

Listen - 01:21

A view of the city of Bukavu, capital of the province of South Kivu, in the east of the country, on November 25, 2023. AFP - ALEXIS HUGUET

By: RFI Follow

With our Bukavu correspondent,

William Basimike

Dressed in black, in the pouring rain, Mireille Ntumba is one of the women who took the microphone in front of the governorate of South Kivu.

It was she who read the specific demands of the women: “

First, to the international community: break the complicit silence!
Take concrete sanctions against aggressor countries and warlords.
Ensure respect for the sovereignty of each State.
To the government of the DRC: block the road against any attempt at balkanization and fight against impunity.

They come from all walks of life: state institutions and civil society... They ask Congolese decision-makers to disassociate themselves from armed groups and to ensure that minerals are not exploited illegally.

South Kivu, like North Kivu, is not immune to insecurity and Jocelyne Migabo Nzirige, the former mayor of a commune, is worried: “

In Bukavu, we also experience cases of insecurity, cases of killings and which until now have not been documented.
We know that the head of state is aware, but we want to hammer home more so that he understands that we do not agree with this war.

Congolese women wish to participate more actively in initiatives on peace and security processes.

They also expect equal representation in the new government institutions of the DRC.

For more than 30 years, the bodies of women in my country have been used as weapons of war.

02:27

Tatiana Mukanire Bandalire (Movement of survivors of sexual violence in the DRC)

DRC: in Bukavu, demonstration of women facing the security situation in the east of the country

DRC: in Bukavu, demonstration of women facing the security situation in the east of the country

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