DRC's Amani festival displays Goma's fun side

The city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been the scene of armed conflicts between rebel and government forces for nearly two decades.

However, the city has a fun side and since Friday, artistes drawn form various African countries have been entertaining hundreds of festival goers.

Amani, which is a Swahili word that means peace gathered in 2015 about 30,000 people.

The cultural event is aimed at promoting peace, reconciliation and bringing change to the Great Lakes region.

Now in its third year, the festival has become a popular event for residents of the city and beyond.

Through it, the world is getting to experience a different side of Goma other than that of violence.

Staging a music festival in Goma has not been easy. The first attempt, in 2013, was canceled when the city found itself under siege by M23 rebels in the surrounding hills.

The festival has attracted musicians of repute in the past and this year will be no different as various acts are on the lineup, including Ismael Lo, a Senegalese musician and actor.

“The people of Goma should stop the violence and find peace. They should work towards building a better future for the children of Goma and by extension the future of African children who will be tomorrow’s leaders,” he said.

The festival is organised by volunteers from the ‘Foyer Culturel de Goma’ in conjunction with local and international organisations.