In August 2024, the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) launched the “Unity Through Diversity” peacebuilding project in Goma, Eastern Congo. This initiative leverages music to promote peaceful coexistence and understanding among diverse ethnic groups.
The project began with a seminar attended by 30 musicians from nine ethnic groups, highlighting their crucial role in spreading peace messages. A key outcome was the composition of a multilingual song urging listeners to reject tribalism and embrace unity. Click here to listen to the song
To ensure the seminar’s impact, participants formed the “Music Artists for Peace” platform. The platform aims to promote peace through outreach, advocacy, and public education. It plans to organize multicultural concerts, celebrate ethnic diversity, and encourage ongoing peace efforts.
The seminar focused on peace as a shared value that transcends and promotes unity, emphasizing compassion, empathy, and respect for diversity. Participants reflected on intentional actions to overcome conflict and foster harmony, rejecting violence and embracing dialogue and cooperation.
The importance of legal awareness among artists was stressed, reminding them of their influence and responsibility to promote harmony. Personal stories shared during the seminar highlighted the challenges of ethnic discrimination but also the hope for healing. Personal stories of ethnic profiling shared during the seminar highlighted the challenges of ethnic discrimination but also encapsulated the hope for healing.
The Amahoro Youth Band, led by Hutu musician Aimable Mugisha, exemplifies the project’s goals, celebrating Hutu culture while promoting harmonious coexistence.
In conclusion, AFJN’s “Unity Through Diversity” project represents a promising step towards ethnic harmony in Eastern Congo, harnessing music and cultural expression to foster a future where diversity is celebrated.