In the face of the persistent unrest caused by the Mobondo phenomenon in the western part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a historic meeting was held from 23 to 26 September 2024 at the Nganda Centre in Kinshasa. Local stakeholders, representatives of the Congolese State and international partners met with the aim of finding cohesive solutions to the crises affecting the Kwamouth region, as well as other affected entities in the provinces of Grand Bandundu, Kongo Central and Kinshasa.
Organized under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior, Security, Decentralization and Customary Affairs, and with the support of the Initiative for Cohesive Leadership (ILC) in partnership with UNICEF, this meeting brought together no fewer than 67 participants. Among them were group leaders, land chiefs, village chiefs, community leaders, members of civil society and local Mobondo leaders.
The main objective of this retreat was to consolidate the progress made during the peace forum five months earlier, and to address in a pragmatic and efficient manner the conflicts that seriously affect the lives of local populations, notably known as the “Kwamouth Crisis”.
The discussions were led by conflict resolution expert Rigobert Luhinzo, under the moderation of Marcel Ngombo Mbala. Participants were able to discuss different points of view and find possible solutions to ease tensions and restore a climate of peace and stability in the region.
This historic meeting demonstrates the commitment of the Congolese authorities and local actors to work together to resolve conflicts and crises that hinder the development and well-being of populations. It represents an important step towards building lasting peace and social cohesion in this part of the country.
In parallel with these conflict resolution efforts, it is essential not to neglect the mental health of individuals, especially workers. World Mental Health Day, celebrated on October 10 each year, highlights the importance of preserving mental health at work. According to the WHO, many people of working age suffer from mental disorders, which impacts not only their personal well-being but also their productivity at work.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, as in many countries, protecting the mental health of workers is a crucial issue. Employers must put in place prevention, support and assistance measures to ensure a healthy work environment that is conducive to the mental well-being of employees.
In short, the Kinshasa meeting and World Mental Health Day remind us of the importance of solidarity, cooperation and taking mental health into account in building a more just and balanced society. These events also highlight the need to work together, hand in hand, to overcome the challenges that lie ahead and build a better future for all.