SUMMARY
- DR Congo players protested during AFCON 2024's anthem, highlighting massacres in their country,
- DR Congo's prolonged conflict has led to widespread violence and displacement, with external involvement alleged.
AFCON 2024 is a competition that has been catching the limelight in recent weeks. Starting the year, with a strong start, AFCON hasn’t disappointed a single bit. But during these celebratory moments, another moment came to our eyes from the DR Congo players.
AFCON has been on the center stage of soccer since the turn of the year, with several media personalities and journalists covering the event. DR Congo players took this opportunity to call upon a massive tragedy happening in their country.
Why did DR Congo soccer players protest during the national anthem?
In recent events, the soccer players of the DR Congo national team made a powerful statement during the national anthem, catching the attention of fans and the global community. The protest was a poignant reaction to the ongoing massacres in Eastern Congo, revealing the players’ solidarity with the victims and their call for attention to the dire situation.
One hand over the mouth, two fingers to the temple. That was the gesture by DR Congo’s national team at the semi-finals for 2024’s AFCON in Ivory Coast to protest and raise awareness about the violence in eastern Congo. DR Congo striker Cedric Bakambu made a similar post on X on… pic.twitter.com/Otbu2x5mpj
— African Stream (@african_stream) February 8, 2024
The DR Congo, a nation with a rich soccer tradition, has found itself in a grave humanitarian crisis marked by widespread violence and massacres. The escalating conflicts have resulted in numerous casualties, leaving the country in a state of turmoil. Against this backdrop, the national soccer team decided to use their platform to bring attention to the atrocities unfolding in their homeland.
The region has been plagued by conflict for several decades, with more than 120 armed groups fighting for control of land, minerals, and power, while others have been defending their communities. In 2021, the rebel group M23 experienced a resurgence, resulting in a significant increase in violence in North Kivu.
In October 2023, over 200,000 people were displaced, adding to the 6 million already displaced. It is widely believed that M23 is receiving support from Rwanda, although Kigali denies these allegations.
The Congolese wearing black armbands as a mark of respect to the victims of violence/massacre taking place in eastern congo#AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/a0DFuxe6w7
— Kwizera Emmy Kata (@emmy_kata) February 7, 2024
During the rendition of the national anthem before a recent match, DR Congo’s soccer players engaged in a silent protest. This act, though devoid of words, spoke volumes about their collective stance against the brutalities plaguing their country.
Players react to the massacres in Congo
Looking at these massacres, DR Congo players took no time to help the public of their nation. Taking this platform to the media, Congo’s striker, Cedric Bakambu has been the vocalist of the situation. Celebrating his goals since 2022 to make everybody aware of the situation.
He opened up on Instagram and posted, “This CAN was also an opportunity for us to go beyond soccer and alert the world to what is happening in the East of the DRC. I’m proud of my teammates and staff for taking this stand.”
View this post on Instagram
The Congolese captain, Chancel Mbemba also came up and spoke about the situation on Instagram, “A very big thought for all the victims of the atrocities in Goma and their families. I pray with all my heart that my country finds peace.” Taking his fame to make people understand the situation Mbemba is acting as the captain of the country as well.
But things didn’t stop here, after the semi-final game of the AFCON 2024. Other players also expressed themselves in this situation. Congo’s coach, Sébastien Desabre said, “It was a message to show support to the victims, to notify [people] that there are indeed things happening in the east and that it is necessary to shed light on it. People are disappointed about that, too.”
View this post on Instagram
Whereas Charles Pickel, the Congolese midfielder, said, “Of course we’re aware of what’s happening, it’s sad. It’s very close to home, but we and journalists can help by speaking about what is happening.”
In the face of tragedy, soccer players are proving that their influence extends far beyond the confines of the sports arena. Through social media, statements of solidarity, financial contributions, and active advocacy, these athletes are using their platform to shine a spotlight on the atrocities in Congo.