Members of Manitoba’s Congolese community gathered at the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg on Saturday to raise awareness and show solidarity with victims of the decades-long war devastating their homeland.
Braving temperatures around –20°C, at least 25 attendees chanted for peace, held signs demanding an end to the conflict, and called attention to the humanitarian crisis. Organizer Paul Kambaja emphasized the global neglect of Congo’s suffering, describing the ongoing war as a fight over mineral resources like coltan, critical for manufacturing cellphones.
“This conflict has cost millions of lives,” said Kambaja, highlighting the recent escalation involving the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, which has seized significant territories in eastern Congo, including Goma, the largest city in the region.
Berkmans Assani, a rally participant, urged Ottawa to go beyond verbal condemnations and provide direct humanitarian aid while documenting human rights violations. “We are alone against the rest of the world,” Assani said.
The crowd’s chants echoed their demand for international action, as the Congolese flag—symbolizing resilience and identity—flew prominently throughout the event.
Source: Swifteradio.com
