Youth Activists in Congo: Challenging Repression and Corruption

The Student Movement: A Catalyst for Change

One of the most prominent youth-led movements in Congo is the student movement, which has been at the forefront of protests and demonstrations against the government. Led by groups like LUCHA (Struggle for Change) and FILIMBI (Whistle), students are demanding better education, job opportunities, and an end to corruption. Their activism has not gone unnoticed by the government, which has responded with repression and violence.

In January 2015, the Congolese police arrested over 30 LUCHA members in Goma. The students were protesting against a proposed constitutional amendment allowing President Joseph Kabila to run for a third term in office.

Despite the risks, the students remain undeterred, and their message resonates with the broader population. As one LUCHA member, Luc Nkulula, told me, “We are not just fighting for ourselves, but for our parents, brothers and sisters, and future generations. We want a Congo that is free and prosperous, where everyone has access to education and opportunities.”

Feminist Activism: Challenging Patriarchy and Violence Against Women

Another youth-led movement that is gaining momentum in Congo is feminist activism. Women and girls in Congo face significant challenges, including sexual violence, discrimination, and limited access to education and healthcare. Feminist groups like La Lucha Feminine and Filles de Combats are working to address these issues and challenge the patriarchal norms perpetuating them.

Their work takes work. As one member of Filles de Combats, who wished to remain anonymous, told me, “We face a lot of pushback from men who don’t believe in gender equality. But we are determined to fight for our rights and the rights of all women in Congo.”

One of the most significant challenges facing feminist activists in Congo is the prevalence of sexual violence. The United Nations estimates that 40 women are raped daily in Congo, making it one of the most dangerous countries in the world for women. Feminist groups are working to raise awareness about this issue and provide support to survivors.

“We want a Congo where women can walk the streets without fear, where they have access to healthcare and education, and where their voices are heard,” said the Filles de Combats member. “We are fighting for a Congo that is safe and equal for all.”

Artistic Expression: Using Creativity to Challenge the Status Quo

Another way young activists in Congo challenge the status quo is through artistic expression. From street art to poetry and music, Congolese youth use their creativity to spread messages of hope and resistance.

One example is the rap group Y’en A Marre, which was formed in Senegal in 2011 and has since spread to other countries in West Africa. The group’s music is political and critical of government corruption, and it has become a voice for youth who feel marginalised and ignored by their leaders.

Similarly, street artists in Congo are using their talents to challenge the government and spread messages of hope and resistance. One street artist, who goes by the name L’Or Bleu, has been creating murals and graffiti in the streets of Kinshasa for years. His work often addresses social and political issues, including corruption and human rights abuses.

“Art is a powerful tool for change,” L’Or Bleu told me. “It allows us to express ourselves and spread messages that can be hard to convey through traditional forms of activism. It also helps to bring people together and create a sense of community.”

However, artists like L’Or Bleu also face significant challenges in their work. The government has cracked down on artistic expression in Congo, often viewing it as threatening their authority. In 2019, a group of Congolese musicians were arrested and detained for several days for releasing a song critical of the government. Despite these risks, young artists continue to use their talents to challenge the status quo and inspire change.

The Challenges Ahead

While the youth-led movements in Congo are progressing, they still face significant challenges in their fight for change. The government’s response to dissent is often violent and repressive, and many activists have been arrested, harassed, or even killed for their work.

The lack of media freedom and censorship also poses significant challenges to these movements. The government controls much of the media in Congo, and critical voices are often silenced or ignored. In 2020, the government shut down the internet for several days, making it difficult for activists to communicate and organise.

Despite these challenges, the youth-led movements in Congo are growing and becoming more organised. They are building networks and coalitions that make their voices heard and increase their chances of success. As Luc Nkulula from LUCHA told me, “We are not just fighting for change, but we are building a movement. A movement that is united, determined, and resilient. We will not stop until we achieve our goals, and we will continue to inspire others to join us.”

The youth-led movements in Congo are challenging the status quo and pushing for a better future. From the student movement to feminist activism and artistic expression, young Congolese are using a variety of tactics to demand change and hold their leaders accountable.
Their work is not easy, and the challenges they face are significant. But their determination and resilience are inspiring, and they are slowly but surely progressing towards a more just and equitable society.

As we look to the future of Congo, we must recognise and support the efforts of these young activists. They are the future of the country, and their vision for a free and prosperous Congo is one that we should all work towards. As L’Or Bleu said, “The youth are the hope of the country. We have the energy and the creativity to bring about change. We need the support and the resources to make it happen.”