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A women-led music festival pushes for peace in Congo’s conflict-ridden eastern region
Nearly 3,000 attendees joined the seventh annual festival to fight gender violence, promote women's artistic talents, and foster peace in a conflict-affected city, organizers said.
- On Sunday, nearly 3,000 people attended the closing of 'Musika na Kipaji' in Goma, an all-female festival aimed at campaigning against gender-based violence and showcasing women's talent in music and dance.
- Residents have lived under Rwanda-backed M23 rebel rule since January 2025, with Goma hosting 700,000 displaced people amid one of Africa's longest humanitarian crises spanning three decades.
- Congolese rapper Clem Cléopâtre, 23, headlined the final day with lyrics about social cohesion and peace, telling attendees: "I encourage young people not to feel alone, especially women, because they are often forgotten."
- Festival organizer Esther Abumba stated the event uses art as a 'weapon of peace' to mobilize non-violent action, arguing that traditional war efforts have failed the region.
- Attendee Jean Luc Maroy noted the event provided a rare space to express frustration and rebuild social bonds, offering a brief respite from the region's ongoing instability.
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Total News Sources10
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 40%
C 50%
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