On November 3, 2026, the city of Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo's South Kivu province witnessed a massive turnout of residents who took to the streets to express their opposition to war and reaffirm their commitment to peace. The protest was organized by the Provincial Presidency of the Sacred Union of the Nation in South Kivu, led by Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki. The event drew participation from various groups, including state officials, local leaders, and members of civil society.
The protest march began from different parts of the city and converged at Mulongwe, the central gathering point. Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki addressed the crowd, delivering a strong message to the rebels of the Allied Forces of the Congo and M23, while urging residents living in areas under rebel occupation to remain hopeful for the return of peace. The governor emphasized the importance of preserving national unity and supporting efforts towards peace, as championed by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi.
The protest had significant participation from various stakeholders, including agents and officials of the state, the Mayor of Uvira, the Catholic Church, and representatives of civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations. The event was also marked by the presence of several national and provincial deputies. To show solidarity with the protest, socio-economic activities in the city were severely disrupted, with shops, stores, and markets remaining closed.
The protest was a demonstration of the population's desire for durable peace and stability in South Kivu province and across the country. Residents expressed their frustration with the ongoing insecurity in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The event showcased the unity of different segments of the population in Uvira in demanding an end to conflict and the restoration of peace.
According to the organizers, the protest was a response to the escalating insecurity in the region and the need for collective action to address the issue. The Provincial Presidency of the Sacred Union of the Nation in South Kivu took the initiative to mobilize the population and express their opposition to war. The governor and other leaders present at the event reiterated their commitment to working towards peace and stability.
The city's residents, including those from various professions and walks of life, turned out in large numbers to participate in the protest. The event was marked by a significant presence of security personnel, who ensured that the protest remained peaceful. The Uvira city administration and local authorities had extended support to the event, which was seen as a crucial step towards addressing the region's insecurity.
The anti-war protest in Uvira is a testament to the population's desire for peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The event highlighted the need for collective action to address the country's security challenges. Key stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and local leaders, have reiterated their commitment to working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Key points
- Thousands of residents in Uvira, DR Congo, protested against war and demanded peace on November 3, 2026.
- The protest was organized by the Provincial Presidency of the Sacred Union of the Nation in South Kivu, led by Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki.
- The event drew significant participation from various stakeholders, including state officials, local leaders, and members of civil society.
