CAN 2024: when football becomes a means of promoting peace
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a country that has for several years been plunged into violent conflict in the east of the country. This region, rich in minerals, is the scene of clashes between the M23 rebels and armed groups supported by government forces. In this tense context, where violence and fear reign, football has proven to be a means of promoting peace and raising awareness of the situation in the country.
Last Wednesday, the DRC football team faced the Ivory Coast team in the semi-final of the 2024 African Cup of Nations (CAN). It was an opportunity for Congolese players and supporters to send a strong message, that of peace. During the match, the players wore armbands symbolizing their commitment to ending the conflict in the east of the country. Supporters, meanwhile, carried banners with slogans calling for reconciliation and the peaceful resolution of differences.
This mobilization around football is not new in the DRC. For many years, sport, and in particular football, has played an important role in the lives of the Congolese. It is considered a vehicle for bringing people together, a distraction from daily difficulties and a means of expression. Football matches are often an opportunity for fans to unite behind their team and put aside ethnic, religious or political divisions.
But this time, it went even further. The players took advantage of their visibility during this regional competition to draw attention to the tragic situation plaguing the east of the country. They used their status as recognized athletes to send a message of peace and solidarity. Their action was welcomed by both local supporters and the international community, which hopes that this media visibility will contribute to the search for concrete solutions to put an end to this deadly conflict.
This initiative highlights the importance of sport, and in particular football, in society. It is not only entertainment, but also an awareness and mobilization tool to promote values such as peace, unity and solidarity.
In conclusion, the conflict in eastern DRC remains a tragic and complex reality. However, the involvement of players from the Congolese national team during CAN 2024 shows that football can be a powerful means of raising awareness and mobilizing to promote peace. Hopefully this initiative will inspire other athletes and civil society actors to become more engaged in finding lasting solutions to this conflict.