The Amani Festival, an annual music and peace event normally held in Goma (a major city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo currently occupied by the AFC/M23 armed group backed by Rwanda), concluded on 12 April in Lubumbashi after being relocated amid the ongoing conflict. Performers including Congolese rap artist Youssoufa, rumba star Ferre Gola, and young rising act Innocent Balume took the stage at the Kiwele school complex, with the event centred on themes of peace and social cohesion. Attendance was notably lower than in past Goma editions, with some locals expressing scepticism about the relocation, though festival founder Guillaume Bisimwa said Lubumbashi could host the event again next year.
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Monday, 13 April 2026
DRC peace festival Amani closes in Lubumbashi after being relocated from conflict-hit Goma[Updated]
Monday, 13 April 2026 · 1 min read
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Among those who did attend, audience members described emotionally charged moments with performers, with festivalgoer Mayi recounting particular excitement during sets by Youssoufa and artists RJ and Mjoe. Local storytelling artist Didier Bosenga noted a personal exchange with Youssoufa, saying the rapper took time to speak with and photograph every attendee. Despite the warmth among those present, observers on the ground noted that thousands of Lubumbashi residents — known locally as Lushois — did not make the trip to the Kiwele complex, underscoring the contrast with the festival's traditionally packed Goma editions.
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