AFRICA
Congolese Diaspora Marches Worldwide Against Rwanda’s Genocide in DR Congo
The global protests have sparked widespread solidarity, as individuals and communities demand justice for the victims and accountability for those responsible.
On Saturday, February 8, 2025, members of the Congolese diaspora around the world united for a historic march, bringing attention to the ongoing genocide against the Congolese people by Rwanda’s military forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
A Unified Voice for Justice
In cities across North America, Europe, and Africa, thousands of protesters gathered, holding banners, chanting slogans, and calling for an end to the violence that has plagued the DRC for decades. The marches were a powerful demonstration of the Congolese people’s resilience and their commitment to raising awareness about the systematic genocide that continues to devastate their homeland.
The protests come in the wake of increasing international pressure to recognize and address the atrocities committed against the Congolese people, many of whom believe that Rwanda’s involvement in the violence has been underreported and misunderstood.
The Context: Rwanda’s Role in the Genocide
While Rwanda has long maintained that its involvement in the DRC is to protect its own national security, many international human rights organizations, as well as Congolese leaders, have accused the Rwandan military of committing crimes against humanity. The violence, which has included mass killings, rape, and the displacement of millions of civilians, is seen by many as an ongoing genocide that has yet to be adequately addressed by the international community.
For years, the people of the DRC have fought for justice and recognition of their suffering, and the Congolese diaspora has played a critical role in amplifying their voices and raising awareness of the crisis on the global stage.
The Power of the Marches
The protests that took place on February 8 are not just about raising awareness—they are a call for action. Protesters are demanding that the international community take responsibility for the genocide, hold Rwanda accountable, and work toward bringing justice to the victims. They are also pushing for greater support for the displaced populations in the DRC and the establishment of mechanisms to prevent further violence.
With marches organized in cities such as Paris, New York, Brussels, Kinshasa, and Toronto, the global diaspora has sent a clear message: the world cannot ignore the suffering of the Congolese people any longer.
A Long Road Ahead
While the march on February 8 was a significant show of solidarity, the path to justice for the Congolese people is long and fraught with challenges. However, this march is just one of many steps that the Congolese diaspora is taking to bring global attention to the crisis and ensure that the atrocities committed in the DRC are not forgotten.