One of the highlights of last week was the friendly match for peace held in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Indeed, the “DRC All Stars” team faced the Variétés Club de France in a charity match to support children displaced by the conflict in the region.
The particularity of this match was the presence of the President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi, who gave the fictitious kick-off, but who also participated as goalkeeper for the last 5 minutes of the game. A strong image that symbolizes the government’s commitment to peace and solidarity with the populations affected by the conflict.
This match highlighted the solidarity and fraternity that can be born through sport, bringing together former glories of Congolese football, players from the women’s national team and local artists, as well as former French footballers from the Variétés Club de France. A beautiful demonstration of the unity and diversity that characterize the world of sport.
Beyond the sporting result – the victory of the Variétés Club de France by a score of 3 to 2 – it was the spirit of solidarity and mutual aid that prevailed throughout this match. The proceeds from this event will also be donated in full to help displaced children, thus demonstrating the importance of sport as a vector of peace and support for the most disadvantaged.
This friendly match will undoubtedly be remembered as a strong moment of mobilization and awareness in favor of peace in the DRC. It reminds us that sport has this unique power to bring people together beyond borders and differences, to promote universal values such as solidarity, respect and tolerance. May other initiatives of this type see the light of day and contribute to building a better, fairer and more united world for all.