Kinshasa, September 2024: A look back at a literary event of great importance
In the heart of the tumultuous effervescence of Kinshasa, the 8th edition of the great literary rentrée recently kicked off a significant event at the Centre Wallonie Bruxelles. The public gathered to attend the presentation of the major work “Le Congo et les grands lacs: La Paix tout de suite, pourquoi et comment” by the eminent Congolese writer, Didier Mumengi.
In a statement of profound intensity, Didier Mumengi underlined his ardent desire to see Congo take the path to peace by adopting an innovative approach, that of fighting with the weapons of peace. His vibrant call resonates like a cry from the heart to put an end to a devastating conflict that continues to sow desolation among the Congolese population and hinders the development of the country.
Through the pages of his book, Didier Mumengi invites a deep reflection on the roots and causes of this persistent war. With a sharp pen, he highlights the urgent need to heal the wounds of this suffering to offer the young generations of the sub-region a chance to live in peace and prosperity.
Published by the prestigious publishing house Harmattan Paris, this 253-page book is an act of cultural resistance, inviting an open dialogue on the crucial issues of the region. It challenges the readership to question the means of building a better future, marked by reconciliation and mutual understanding.
The christening ceremony of this flagship book was honored by the presence of the Secretary General of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo, Monsignor Donatien Nshole. The latter praised the author’s commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation, emphasizing the essential role of civil society and the Church in finding lasting solutions to the conflicts tearing the Great Lakes region apart.
In closing, Monsignor Donatien Nshole expressed his deep gratitude to Didier Mumengi for his exceptional intellectual contribution, recalling the importance of intercommunity dialogue and regional cooperation to build a future of peace and prosperity for all.
On this memorable day, the echo of Didier Mumengi’s words resonates as a call to action, a call for unity and solidarity to build together a peaceful and harmonious future for the peoples of the Great Lakes.