MWE Correspondent
When President Emmanuel Macron addressed the United Nations this week, his words went beyond diplomacy. They echoed the anguish of millions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who continue to live in the shadow of conflict and displacement.
Macron confirmed that France will convene a humanitarian conference in October, designed to draw global attention to a crisis that has for too long been overlooked.
The story of eastern Congo is one of resilience amid devastation. In the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, families have been uprooted by war, forced to abandon their homes with little more than what they can carry. Rebel movements like the M23 group have brought waves of insecurity, accused of massacres and territorial takeovers that have left civilians trapped in fear.
Macron stressed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must not be compromised. His message was clear: protecting civilians and restoring peace is not just a regional concern but a responsibility of the international community. “We must restore hope to the people of Kivu,” he said, pointing to the urgent need for food, shelter, and safe passage for those displaced.
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The October summit in Paris is expected to gather governments, humanitarian organizations, and regional leaders. Beyond pledges of aid, the conference seeks to revive fragile peace frameworks such as the Luanda agreement, which has yet to deliver lasting stability. France has previously promised millions in humanitarian assistance, but Macron’s new initiative signals a broader ambition: positioning Paris as a mediator in the conflict-torn Great Lakes region.
For Congolese families, however, the stakes are personal and immediate. In makeshift camps, children go without schooling, mothers worry about malnutrition, and entire communities yearn for the simple comfort of safety. Many remain skeptical, scarred by years of broken ceasefires and unmet promises. Yet the conference offers a sliver of hope—that the world may finally recognize their plight and commit to change.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Macron’s call can translate into concrete action. For those in Congo’s east, the message is simple: they do not want to be seen as statistics of war. They want to be remembered as people deserving peace, dignity, and a chance to rebuild their lives.
