STORY: Music festival aims to bring back peace to eastern DR Congo
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 18, 2024
DATELINE: Nov. 19, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:35
LOCATION: GOMA, DR Congo
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Amani Festival in Goma, DR Congo
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Swahili): GERMAIN ZAWADI, Festival-goer
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Swahili): GUILLAUME BISIMWA, Festival director

STORYLINE:

Over the past weekend in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Amani Festival was in full swing and brought thousands of participants together around a strong message of peace and hope.

For two days, artists, cultural actors, and engaged citizens shared a common stage to voice their aspirations for a brighter future in a region scarred by armed conflicts.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Swahili): GERMAIN ZAWADI, Festival-goer
"We, displaced people from Bulengo, have faith that peace will one day become a reality so that we can return home. I have a message for our leaders: let them engage in dialogue to bring peace. We are suffering greatly from this war."

The festival, which began in 2013, has been held annually except in 2021, when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and national turmoil.

Amani means "peace" in Swahili. In a city near the epicenter of conflicts between the government army and various armed groups, the festival brings people from diverse backgrounds together through shows and celebrations.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Swahili): GUILLAUME BISIMWA, Festival director
"Music is a key element for our development and stability. We must all contribute as one to transforming our region."

Xinhua correspondents reporting from Goma, DR Congo.
(XHTV)