On April 1, 2024, the interim governor, Afani Idrissa Mangala, made a significant mark in the history of the DRC by issuing three decrees aimed at safeguarding traditional sites belonging to three communities in the Bangengele chiefdom. This unprecedented initiative was realized through the dedication of the Alliance for the Promotion of Autonomous and Community Heritage, in partnership with the PURED program, heralding a pivotal moment in the protection of Congolese cultural legacy.
The indigenous and community heritage areas located in Kebendja, Uka-Ibwe, and Liwama have now been granted a legal framework for protection. This advancement has been widely applauded by the custodian of tradition, Lomami Zambe, who expressed gratitude for the unexpected assistance. The crucial significance of this long-overlooked endeavor was emphasized, with appreciation extended to the collaborating organizations involved.
Darius Omari, the head of the Anapak branch, stressed the responsibility of managing these areas with care and respect. The receipt of these protective decrees underscores the imperative to conserve the sites’ integrity for future generations by steering clear of activities that could jeopardize their preservation.
Me Salé Abasi, the governor’s representative for environmental affairs, highlighted the role of traditional leaders as custodians of traditional customs and rituals, the foundation of Congolese culture. This formal acknowledgment solidifies their mandate in conserving and transmitting the intangible heritage of the Congo, ensuring its enduring legacy.
Ultimately, these protective measures signify a substantial stride in safeguarding Congolese cultural heritage, reflecting the commitment of local authorities and stakeholders to preserve and celebrate ancestral traditions, integral to the country’s cultural richness and identity. This exemplary initiative sets a precedent for similar actions, aiming to safeguard the diverse cultural landscape and intangible heritage of the DRC for the prosperity of future generations.
Additional relevant links:
– [Towards Institutional Stability: The Historic Agreement in Maniema](https://eng.fatshimetrie.org/2024/04/17/towards-institutional-stability-the-historic-agreement-in-maniema/)
– [Release of Two Emblematic Figures: A Crucial Step towards the Rule of Law in Niger](https://eng.fatshimetrie.org/2024/04/17/release-of-two-emblematic-figures-a-crucial-step-towards-the-rule-of-law-in-niger/)
– [Integrity at the Heart of Governance: An Imperative for the Future of the DRC](https://eng.fatshimetrie.org/2024/04/17/integrity-at-the-heart-of-governance-an-imperative-for-the-future-of-the-drc/)
– [The Controversy Surrounding Pipeline Surveillance in Nigeria: Between Effectiveness and Democratic Issues](https://eng.fatshimetrie.org/2024/04/17/the-controversy-surrounding-pipeline-surveillance-in-nigeria-between-effectiveness-and-democratic-issues/)
– [Floods in the DRC: Urgent Appeal for Humanitarian Aid for Maniema](https://eng.fatshimetrie.org/2024/04/17/floods-in-the-drc-urgent-appeal-for-humanitarian-aid-for-maniema/)