Congolese Women Peace Activists Demand to be Part of the Peace Process

As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels are oscillating on the modalities of peace negotiations that are taking place in Uganda, the women from North Kivu Province where the bulk of the fighting has been taking place have come to Uganda demanding direct involvement and participation in the negotiations.

During a press conference that was held in Kampala on 20^th December 2011, the Congolese women under a loose local organisation; Women Artisans for Peace, that is composed of various layers of Congolese civil society organisations and activists campaigning for the restoration of lasting peace in Eastern Congo; said that all measures to achieve meaningful peace in Congo must involve women directly in negotiations and any planned peace overtures.

“Why should the peace negotiations be undertaken without involving women in Congo especially those from Eastern DRC who have experienced and have been affected most by the atrocities that have been and are being committed during the conflict? For us women in Eastern DRC and north Kivu province in particular, we want peace and peace we want it at all costs. We have seen enough and let our voice be heard”; said their spokesperson Nana Balume. Here is a full Press Statement of the Congolese women peace activists from North Kivu province

Josephine says: January 21, 2013 at 12:59 pm

I am glad to know that congolese women are now beginning to realize that what they are doing will have agreat impact on the future of their country because no body is going to take the initiative on their behalf. Tey are the ones going through whtever they are going through therefore they are in yhe best posture to speak for themselves. I encourage you ladies, keep on pushing until you see the positive results. One thing you need to know is that no body among the male leaders will let you express your need of participation if you do not proove how far you can go. You will face all kinds of rejects from side to side but this is not enough reason to put you down .Come on ladies, you are on the right truck.