Congo's national football team, including coach Sébastien Desabre, made a poignant protest before their Africa Cup of Nations semifinal against Ivory Coast, drawing attention to the pervasive armed violence in eastern Congo.
The players and coach held their right hands in front of their mouths and displayed two fingers to their temples during a portion of Congo's national anthem, symbolizing solidarity with the victims. Wearing black armbands, the team aimed to shed light on the ongoing crisis in the east of the country.
Desabre emphasized that the national football team serves as a driving force for the nation, and it was their duty to inform the world about the pressing issues behind the scenes. Despite a 1-0 loss in the semifinal, the players used their platform to amplify the urgent need for international awareness about the armed violence in Congo's mineral-rich region.
Captain Chancel Mbemba and forward Cédric Bakambu had previously taken to social media, while the issue was briefly mentioned at the pre-game press conference.
The conflict in eastern Congo involves over 120 groups vying for power, land, and valuable mineral resources, with a recent spike in violence initiated by the resurfaced rebel group M23 in late 2021.
The United Nations and human rights groups have accused the group of mass killings, pointing to alleged support from neighboring Rwanda, which the country denies
The players and coach held their right hands in front of their mouths and displayed two fingers to their temples during a portion of Congo's national anthem, symbolizing solidarity with the victims. Wearing black armbands, the team aimed to shed light on the ongoing crisis in the east of the country.
Desabre emphasized that the national football team serves as a driving force for the nation, and it was their duty to inform the world about the pressing issues behind the scenes. Despite a 1-0 loss in the semifinal, the players used their platform to amplify the urgent need for international awareness about the armed violence in Congo's mineral-rich region.
Captain Chancel Mbemba and forward Cédric Bakambu had previously taken to social media, while the issue was briefly mentioned at the pre-game press conference.
The conflict in eastern Congo involves over 120 groups vying for power, land, and valuable mineral resources, with a recent spike in violence initiated by the resurfaced rebel group M23 in late 2021.
The United Nations and human rights groups have accused the group of mass killings, pointing to alleged support from neighboring Rwanda, which the country denies
