Amani Kwetu International AISBL
Gérôme actor Theater of the Oppressed
I never thought I would have the strength to stand in front of people and talk about this situation, about my disability… You must be stronger than yourself Jérôme, you must be strong for many people to say that after my nightmare. …I met rebel soldiers around 7 o’clock in the evening while I was coming back from my work, they were from the CNDP a rebel group of Laurent N’kunda in Kiwanja Rutshuru, I showed them my identity card but… One of them decided to ruin my life and change my identity…. Jérôme became Jérôme the disabled. Since that day, I have developed hatred and anger against all those who speak Kinyarwanda like the CNDP soldiers. People thought I was crazy, an aimless person, and the money I earn I spend on alcohol…I’m a drunkard. People don’t know what I’ve been up against, I can no longer run to cover if it rains, I can no longer cultivate my field normally like before, nor run alone when war comes. ., victim of mockery, discredit…my sledgehammer was not just about hammering steel, but rather about imagining myself crushing their bones.
The training and performances of the Theater of the Oppressed opened my mind, and helped me deal with the traumas of my past life, and gave me hope and strength. I hope I had a broken identity, but Theater of the Oppressed was a way to remember what I went through and share it with others, especially those who think disability has broken their life or their personality.
I have the right to participate in life, when I say life it means in its entirety, no more prejudice or anger against innocent people who did not participate in my misfortune. Now I know who I am
Amani Kwetu International AISBL
Theater of the Oppressed
Many people living with a disability tend to under-reveal themselves and believe that they have no place in everyday life…so they victimize themselves, become beggars…which hurts me in the fact that even people who call themselves normal marginalize and exploit them in every way…. We must stop offering ourselves as a gift to their profiteers, our strength will depend on our tenacity because « a normal person is not not physical, it’s our interior. It’s our spirit and our soul that count »…
So stop treating the disabled as less than nothing, they also have their rights.
End violence and manipulation against people living with disabilities. Whatever our physical or mental disability, we have the right to respect as citizens like others.
Amani Kwetu International AISBL
The Theater of the Oppressed for Integral change in a conflict zone-Rutshuru Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Iponye Dunia heal the world: a Theater of the Oppressed on climate change
heatre of the Oppressed for Climate change and Climate justice in a War torn Region in Rutshuru, Even if we Can hear bombs explosion,bullets and cries of pain from differents Refugees camps in Rutshuru,this can’t stop us to work for climate change in this War torn Region…It is not only a question of speaking for Peace during this day of » Climate actions day » in Rutshuru conflict zone where the crackling of bullets and bombs disturb the peace of civilians in in this Eastern part of DRCONGO where war between the rebels of the M23 and the government continue to disturb this region.So many people flee theirs home and now they are living for begging and for humanitarian Aid. Our team got a meeting this August 17 to see how Amani Kwetu International AISBL should actively participate in raising awareness on climate justice, advocate at the local government level in the name of Climate justice and do several theater of the oppressed with the inhabitants of Rutshuru East of the DRCongo in order to see how we can reconcile climate action and Peace in our Region during these 3 years to come. Thus many of our activities will also focus on actions against climate injustice, environmental actions around Virunga National Park, on Lake Edward and in various refugee camps in Uganda where our local groups are active in promoting peace and the protection of the environment…this should be a priority for all our local and international volunteer members. Even a small team with Big Dreams and concrete actions Can make a différence and contribute for change…
Shujaa Mwekundu the Red Heroes; Theater of the Oppresse
A theater of the oppressed which brings together loyal soldiers, former rebels and war veterans and the civilian population for peace, security and social cohesion in the territory of Rutshuru,
Our methods of theater of the oppressed, although taught today in universities around the world, are for us something that we teach to a population that has never even been to school. We give them hope and strength in the dark situations they have faced and often still face.
We teach them love and tolerance, because these qualities are the foundation of our African nations.
Awareness Program on GBV in conflict zones and refugee camps Uzamukunda Bakuza Jeanne
Millions of people are uprooted from their environments by the wars between the March 23 Movement and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, women and children more than 80% constitute the populations of the various camps of internal refugees and often victims physical, psychological and sexual violence which often leads to a high rate of morbidity among women and children, the case of the 3 women raped in the LUSHAGA refugee camp on the Mugunga axis, raped by strangers when they went to collect firewood. heating; the same situation was visible in Kishishe where 8 women working in the same field were gang raped by unidentified bandits; this horrible situation endangers the lives of several couples, the breakdown of marriages and the future and puts the future of children at risk. This is why in raising awareness about GBV we work with refugees here in Rutshuru, and in Uganda we raise awareness against gender-based violence based on intensive training on GBV to refugees in different cells, the theater of the oppressed is one of the means we use for these kinds of situations
I leave my office to join to become a participatory theater actor of the oppressed. This gives me honor because I actively participate in the construction of my community on a National and International level.
Tukinge na tukinge Wenzetu program (let’s protect ourselves and others) By Justin Kithima
Tujikinge and Tukige Wenzetu is a program of Amani Kwetu International in collaboration with the Church of Christ in Congo Rutshuru to fight against prejudices and stereotypes around different pandemics and contagious diseases, in fact, since the appearance of the virus disease Ebola and the Covid-19 virus pandemic, prejudices and stereotypes revolved around these which linked with political manipulation during the electoral campaigns sowed great trouble and doubt within the populations of Rutshuru until created hatred between the tribes in the territory of Rutshuru, for example, it was easy to attribute the Ebola virus disease to the Nande tribe because the first cases of this disease had for first (at the time of) origin in the great North, Covid-19 is a disease, a way of reducing this or that people.
We came together for a door-to-door program so that our communities, victims of manipulation, realize the extent of the problem and stand up together to fight it.
Impact of the Economy in a conflict zone: Rutshuru East of the Democratic Republic of Congo By Patricia Karafuli
With the three waves of wars which have affected this part of the country since 1994, AFDL, RCD, CNDP, M23 (doubled times), the cases of insecurity which have caused by the rural exodus and the disappearance of certain villages on this territory of Rutshuru, the economy of this area has declined and this has had an impact on the populations of the city of Goma who live at the expense of the territory of Rutshuru which is a lung of this city located 75km south of Rutshuru.
The recent M23 war, the proliferation of armed self-defense movements, has reduced the rate of attendance towards the fields and the organizations have closed the doors, commercial vehicles can no longer reach the city of Goma, there are a double tax imposed 25km from the city of Goma where the rebels rule the roost and where the regular army also rules, further east towards Ishasha the groups called Wazalendu demand exorbitant taxes on the local population, those who are courageous agree to cultivate their fields under a tax imposed by the war effort including the fear of kidnapping which is also a risk and is not ignored. Thus agriculture and commerce (main activities in Rutshuru) are undergoing a critical situation which is causing a decline in the economy in Rutshuru territory; money no longer circulates freely, children are the first victims of this situation, schools have been closed for several months now, left to their own fate, they can easily fall prey to manipulators and join armed groups as a negative consequence which can always break the economic growth in this territory.
THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN THE PACIFICATION OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION
By Abbot MUYAYALO GIRESSE LIEVIN. Priest of the diocese of Goma and member of the Emmanuel Community. Master’s student in Social and Human Sciences at the John Paul II Institute in Cotonou/Benin. Specialist in marriage and family sciences. Email: giresselievin@gmail.com
A few years ago, the Catholic Church published a document entitled “Gaudium et Spes”, “joy and hope”. This pastoral constitution on the Church in the world of our times is one of the main documents resulting from the Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican. It was promulgated on the last day of the council by Pope Paul VI, December 8, 1965. This document presents, in general, the role that the Church plays in the world and in the life of man. The Church is in the world, but she is not of the world. It is united with the history of man and his condition in the world. It seeks to bring to life the presence of Christ in the world. She is interested in the joys and hopes of the men of this time, she is not indifferent to the condition of man. In this dynamic, she offers to the world what she has received and still receives from the Holy Spirit; she uses it for the benefit of all as a path to reconciliation, justice and salvation. She listens to everyone to save many. It offers solutions to problems and ways out of crises. This is his social doctrine. This is also its role in this world: it aims to give or restore to man his dignity where it is stolen from him.
The particular Church of Goma is not outside of this doctrine. It (first as an institution and then as a community of people) is convinced that war is not a value because it hurts man. By causing terrible pain and misery, war does not respect man’s dignity. This is why, on every occasion, the bishops members of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and all Christians, organize meetings, marches, pleas, to denounce all the harm that is done to man in the Great Lakes region. The bishops, on a regular basis, send messages to raise awareness, to express compassion, prayer and the closeness of the Church to all victims of the violence and injustices caused by armed conflicts. The Church is always close to families, to all families, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or other incidental considerations. It approaches man, and especially man who suffers the atrocities of tribal, religious, political or economic wars. The Church denounces all these lives which are being lost needlessly and savagely in the Congo. Above all, it continues to revive the faith of men by showing that even in the midst of trials, God supports the hope of his people.
Thus, the role that the Church plays in the resolution of conflicts in Congo and in the Great Lakes Region is first of all the denunciation of the harm done to man: people massacred with machetes, houses destroyed , human dignity trampled, the massive displacement of populations, all of this hurts man. The Church cannot remain indifferent to this. His prophetic mission obliges him to denounce the evil that afflicts man. She plays the role of the prophet who speaks in the name of God by condemning lies, massacres, terrorism, etc. Each time the Church takes action against an injustice; every time a bishop sends a circular message, it is always from this perspective. (Cf. “Come Lord Jesus”, letter from Mgr Willy NGUMBI NGENGELE, bishop of the diocese of Goma, dated December 3, 2022, on peace in the east of DR Congo).
Furthermore, the Church does not limit itself to denouncing evil, it also offers ways and means for the resolution of conflicts. She offers herself as an intermediary so that justice and peace reign. She organizes donation collections for the care of those displaced by war. It supports the peace process through its charitable and humanitarian associations. It educates, forms and informs consciences through schools, churches and evangelization campaigns for the change of mentalities and the conversion of hearts. The Church, in the Great Lakes region, plays a very important role. She has worked a lot and continues to be, in the world of our time, the defender of man. It remains an essential point of support for integral development to become a reality in this region. It also constitutes a tool always available for building peace. She extends her hand free of charge to any person of good will who wishes to rebuild the Congo and restore human dignity. She offers herself as a collaborator in any project that aims to resolve problems linked to the economy, food insecurity, climate change, social injustice, poverty, violence, exclusion.
Programme de volontariat Locale et International
Local and International Volunteer Programme
During our orientation sessions every Friday, we guide the young people of Rutshuru territory towards
inclusive voluntary service.Rutshuru towards inclusive voluntary service, getting them to serve others
even if they're not paid.
we place them in hospitals, health centres, orphanages and nutrition centres, relying on their
centres, relying on their actions and assignments in institutions run by people from ethnic groups
to break down prejudice and stereotypes.We analyse their good lives and morals according to their
leaderships within their churches ofmosque, then submitted to a levelling examination according to their
aspirations,Each church chooses a young leader from their church each year and sends them to Amani
KwetuInternational to be trained and oriented for local and international social servicesbefore sending
them to the Church of Christ in Congo Rutshuru in the Su-Nord volonteer programme of the Vereinte
Evangelisch Mission www.vemisssion.org
Par Plamédie MUSAMBA MEMA
Les Vacanciers de la Paix/Children Peace ambassadors Program
what kills the children’s guardians is that they no longer know how to teach the children what is the positivity of their customary and ethnic life that their parents had taught them for a good social life but they want to have their own ways of raise their children and when a child learns otherwise from manipulators, he becomes a public enemy » plamedie Musamba mema
Children peace ambassadors or vacationers of peace is a program of Amani Kwetu International which aims to establish a family and social exchange between children from different ethnic tribes and Nations in the midst of conflicts during school holidays, the children spend half of their vacation with families from tribes or ethnic groups other than their own to break the stereotypes and prejudices they may receive regarding others in their tribes, ethnic groups or Nations. These children have a lot of imagination and most have an innate character which is justified by emotional strength, their brain is a gift from God that we can use for a better change in future generations, that is to say their change; A conflictual society can change 360° if it receives a solid foundation that leads to positive change. They are active and sentimental, and often like some young people, they do not quickly regulate their emotions. The warlords, the tribal and ethnic manipulators in several countries in this Region know that the feelings and emotions that flow into the brains of children have a real impact on their way of reacting, they manipulate slowly and surely and then make them of the great war machines and assassins’ (case of the ADF NALU rebels in the far North who use children as slaughterers of human beings and scouts in their target areas, children MAI MAI and in other rebel groups in the North East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the FDLR and rebels of the March 23 Movement) they know that the regulation of emotions is closely linked to cerebral maturity but this is fully developed either at 21 or 25 years old, children are their ideal targets to enable them to achieve their ends; they stuff into their minds horrible stories to the detriment of other tribes and ethnic groups, advocate the heroic stories of certain people who fought tribal war, even the Bible and the Koran can be a way to convince these young minds and want to use them in the name of violence and war.
Thanks to some real actions like the peace vacationers which bear positive fruits and create friendships not only between families formerly in conflict or under manipulation but soon between the countries of this sub-region of the great lakes in the hope of seeing one day the children of the sub-regions of the Great Lakes and East Africa spent better holidays in other countries and other communities formerly enemies to form an Africa without any negative tribal and ethnic influence, a generation of positive decision-makers. Because if nothing is done, the future of African countries in general, of the Great Lakes sub-region and East Africa in particular will remain static and its development will depend on the conflict cycle that we have experienced since our childhood and that unfortunately our children also live
»Children’s rights associations and organizations as well as families and we children will have to make solid commitments so that stories like the genocide in Rwanda, the silent genocide in the DR Congo cannot continue to happen again » said Plamedie Musamba Mema
Our basic response on a vacation of peace, a strategy that responds to political and ethical manipulators without violence that we also take our responsibilities in hand. This year we organized a peace holiday where 4 children spent their holidays with families other than their own, different tribes in Conflict with the aim of fighting against prejudices and stereotypes, fighting against negative thoughts of seeing the enemy everywhere . ..
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