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DTSTART:20230101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241008
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270108
DTSTAMP:20260525T032801
CREATED:20251013T181536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251019T011545Z
UID:25213-1728345600-1799366399@cojeskidrcongo.org
SUMMARY:protection and security of refugee leaders in Kivu
DESCRIPTION:Currently we are highly working on the protection and security of refugee leaders in Kivu who are under the control of M23 rebels backed by Rwanda. Most of these refugee leaders are the main target of the rebels and many are living in difficult situations currently. We have put in place an emergency fundraising campaign to support them\, please visit our fundraising campaigns on GlobalGiving.
URL:https://cojeskidrcongo.org/event/protection-and-security-of-refugee-leaders-in-kivu/
CATEGORIES:Urgent Action
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cojeskidrcongo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/M23-Rebels-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251020
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20360108
DTSTAMP:20260525T032801
CREATED:20251013T180206Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T084937Z
UID:25206-1760918400-2083363199@cojeskidrcongo.org
SUMMARY:Weekly and Monthly Meetings
DESCRIPTION:Three meetings are being held focusing on the situation of refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo. \n\nThe first meeting is held every Tuesday online and it is in French \, here is the link for those who want to participate: https://meet.google.com/qzx-uuha-ijn\n\n\nTime: 4pm Eastern DRCongo Time\, 3pm Kinshasa time\, and 5pm Nairobi time. This meeting is a form of information session which focusing of helping participants to know more about the refugee situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The main audience for this event are Congolese people both in the country and in the Diaspora and refugees both in DRCongo and outside DRCongo.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe second is held every Thursday and it is in English\, here is the link for those who wish to attend:https://meet.google.com/qzx-uuha-ijn\nWith less opportunities at international\, national and local levels which focuse on reducing the gabs of information about refugees\, we have proposed this regular meeting to help our audience to know more refugees in DRCongo. These meetings helps to build contacts\, network and access more information about refugees in DRC.  Dialogue on the situation of refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Every Thursday: Time: 5pm time of Nairobi\, 4pm Eastern DRC and 3pm time of Kinshasa DRC. (please fix the time in your country)\, Here is the link: https://meet.google.com/qzx-uuha-ijn\n\n  \n\nCoordination Meeting (this meeting is only limited to the members of the National Coordination): Every Saturday at 7am AM time of Kinshasa/DRC\, 8am time of Eastern DRC.\n\n\nThere is also  COHERE Gathering every month on the situation of emergencies in DRCongo\, please contact this email for the link: e.page@wearecohere.org\, \nRapport de la réunion du Bureau National du COJESKI RDC du 8 Novembre 2025 LA PREMIÈRE RÉUNION HEBDOMADAIRE ADMINISTRATIVE. Date: Samedi 08 Novembre 2025. Heure: 7h30 heure de Kinshasa\, 8h30 heure de l’Est de la RDC. \nPremier point  \nMot de bienvenue\, par Mr Pecos Amateur National du COJESKI RDC \nLes COJESKI c’est les Collectifs des Organisations de Jeunes Solidaire Congo Kinshasa (si vous voulez savoir plus sur nous allez visiter notre site internet pour plus de détails. Nous sommes en train de travailler dur pour mettre toutes les informations nécessaires dans le site internet\, afin de faciliter l’accès à l’information et la transparence. \nIl a ensuite informé les participants sur l’état actuel du Réseau et les défis à relever. Certains documents ne sont pas encore dans le site internet comme les règlements d’ordre intérieur\, le Budget\, le Plan Stratégique\, et les Procédures car ces documents ne sont pas encore prêts. \nDeuxième Point     \nChaque membre a eu le temps de se presenter et les participants sont des provinces suivantes : Nord-Kivu\, Ituri\, Maniema\, Tshopo\, Equateur\, Et Kongo Central. \nTroisième Point: Les Priorités Nationales  \nAu niveau national nous n’avons rien\, ni bureau\, ni machine\, ni chaise\, ni véhicule\, tout a disparu lors de la chute du COJESKI par ceux qui étaient à la tête du bureau à ce moment-là ! Et donc on n’a rien. \nMais nous pensons y remédier bientôt car nous sommes déjà à la recherche d’un nouveau bureau à Kinshasa qui sera notre Bureau National. Actuellement nous sommes dans le Bureau de la Société Civile du Congo SOCICO. \nQuatrième point \nNous sommes en train de mettre en place les bureaux et de constituer des équipes administratives dans chaque provinces pour étendre le COJESKI dans les nouvelles Provinces. \n– Nous n’avons toujours pas de règlement d’ordre intérieur propre au COJESKI c’est pourquoi nous allons y réfléchir ensemble à partir de notre statut. \nLes participants ont résolu de lire le statut et proposer des commandements car plusieurs choses ont déjà changé. \nCinquième point \nLes Priorités de chaque Province \nSeulement 4 provinces qui ont été représentées dont le TSHOPO\, le Nord- Kivu\, le Maniema\, et l’Ituri. \n– La province de TSHOPO représentée par JOSEPH  nous a parlé de 2 priorités dont nous avons:   l’intégration des déplacés internes  et l’encadrement des jeunes filles pour réduire la délinquance. \n– La Province du Maniema représenté par Toussaint qui\, nous a parlé de 3 priorités dont nous avons:  Encadrement de la jeunesse dans différents domaines pour éviter leur enrôlement dans les groupes armés. Appuyer  les déplacées interne pour leur intégration locale et avec de l’aide humanitaire. \nFormation et capitation des Acteurs de la Société Civile et des Leaders des Jeunes. \n– La province de l’Ituri représenté par Madame Julienne qui nous a dit que jusque-là ils n’ont pas fait de réunion administrative pour se mettre d’accord sur leurs priorités quand ça sera prêt ils vont nous tenir informés \n– La Province du Nord- Kivu représenté par Florence MAPATANO qui nous a parlé de l’impossibilité de faire des activités sous la casquette du COJESKI vu la situation sécuritaire. Mais la priorité reste les interventions humanitaires a travers les Associations membres. \nLes Coordinations ont des défis de la mauvaise connexion de l’internet ainsi la Coordination Nationale va mener des actions pour demander l’amélioration de l’internet en RDC. \nNB: Nous n’avions pas fini la réunion commune vous pouvez les constater à partir de l’ordre du jour vu la connexion ! Merci pour la participation de tous \n  \nOpen Letter to the Minister of Internal Affairs against practices of threats and intimidation\, kindly find the original French version here “SOCICO -Appel au retrait des menances\n \nKinshasa\, le 12/11/ 2025 \nN°/Réf : 029/SOCICO/CN/PNY/2025 \nA l’attention de son Excellence Monsieur le Vice-Premier Ministre\, Ministre de l’Intérieur\, Sécurité\, Décentralisation et Affaires coutumières \nà Kinshasa/Lingwala \nExcellence\, \nLa Société Civile du Congo (SOCICO/RDC) suit avec une profonde préoccupation la montée des pratiques et des discours qui tendent à fragiliser l’espace démocratique en République Démocratique du Congo. \nNous observons\, avec regret\, que les Assemblées Provinciales\, institutions essentielles de la démocratie locale\, font désormais l’objet de pressions\, menaces et intimidations en provenance du Ministère de l’Intérieur\, alors qu’elles ne font qu’exercer leurs prérogatives constitutionnelles de contrôle et de redevabilité. \nSelon plusieurs sources médiatiques\, Son Excellence Monsieur Jacquemin Shabani\, Ministre de l’Intérieur\, aurait adressé des menaces verbales à l’endroit des élus provinciaux dans diverses provinces du pays. Une telle attitude\, au lieu de favoriser la gouvernance responsable\, porte atteinte à la liberté d’action des députés provinciaux\, censés défendre les intérêts légitimes du peuple en toute indépendance. \nNous rappelons que la démocratie congolaise est le fruit d’un long combat mené au prix de grands sacrifices\, notamment par les acteurs politiques et citoyens ayant œuvré pendant plus de trente-deux ans pour l’instauration d’un État de droit. Il serait donc inacceptable que ces acquis soient remis en cause par des pratiques autoritaires\, même de la part de ceux qui furent jadis à l’avant- garde de ce combat. \nNos provinces\, pour la plupart\, connaissent une gouvernance marquée par des dysfonctionnements graves. Dans certaines d’entre elles — notamment au Kasaï Oriental\, pour ne citer que cet exemple —\, les Gouverneurs brillent par leur absentéisme et leur inefficacité\, compromettant ainsi le développement et le bien-être de la population. \nAu lieu de protéger des Gouverneurs défaillants\, il est urgent de renforcer la transparence\, la redevabilité et la participation citoyenne. Restreindre l’espace parlementaire et museler les Assemblées Provinciales\, c’est affaiblir les fondements mêmes de la gouvernance démocratique. \nNous tenons à encourager les Assemblées Provinciales à demeurer fermes et indépendantes dans l’exercice de leur mission de contrôle\, conformément à la Constitution et aux lois de la République. Leur devoir est de sanctionner la médiocrité\, où qu’elle se trouve\, et de veiller à ce que la gestion publique serve effectivement le peuple congolais. \nNous invitons également les Gouverneurs de Provinces à se recentrer sur leurs obligations envers la population : rendre compte de leur gestion\, promouvoir une gouvernance locale inclusive et œuvrer pour le développement. La protection politique ne saurait remplacer la compétence ni l’intégrité ; toute stratégie de protectionnisme institutionnel est\, par essence\, antidémocratique. \nEn conséquence\, nous invitons Son Excellence Monsieur le Ministre de l’Intérieur\, à : \n\nReconsidérer les propos et attitudes qui pourraient être perçus comme des pressions à l’endroit des Assemblées Provinciales\, afin de préserver un climat de respect mutuel et de confiance entre les institutions de la République ;\nEncourager les Gouverneurs de Provinces à renforcer la qualité de leur gouvernance\, à demeurer à l’écoute des citoyens et à œuvrer activement pour l’amélioration des conditions de vie de la population\, dans un esprit de responsabilité et de service public.\nLa SOCICO/RDC demeure attachée aux valeurs de démocratie\, de bonne gouvernance et de responsabilité publique\, et continuera à défendre ces principes face à toute dérive autoritaire.\n\nPour la Société Civile du Congo\, \nMonsieur Pontien NYEMBO \n  \n Président National[1] \n[1] Adresse : Boulevard du 30 Juin\, arrêt VODACOM\, 5e Niveau du Bâtiment MOULAERT\, après Equity BCDC en diagonal de la Galerie Présidentielle\, Kinshasa-Gombe \nTél : +243816027550\, +243997014284 | E-mail : socicordc2@gmail.com \nPublic Campaigns for the New Refugee Policy in the Democratic Republic of Congo\nWe are currently in this campaign to create public awareness about the urgent need to have in place in new refugee policy in DRC which will contribute to proper management of refugees. Authorities have promised to introduce this Bill into the Parliament but nothing much has been done. That is why\, we call upon your support and solidarity to join and engage the Government of DRC to act quickly make put in place a new refugee Policy. \nWe have proposed a New Refugee Bill and here is what we are doing in order to inform the public about this New Law. \nFlyer Eight Flyer Five Flyer Four Flyer One \nFlyer Seven Flyer Six Flyer Three Flyer Two \nThree meetings are being held focusing on the situation of refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo. \n\nThe first meeting is held every Monday online and it is in French \, here is the link for those who want to participate: https://meet.google.com/qzx-uuha-ijn\n\n\nTime: 5pm Eastern DRCongo Time\, 4pm Kinshasa time\, and 6pm Nairobi time. This meeting is a form of information session which focusing of helping participants to know more about the refugee situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The main audience for this event are Congolese people both in the country and in the Diaspora and refugees both in DRCongo and outside DRCongo.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe second is held every Thursday and it is in English\, here is the link for those who wish to attend:https://meet.google.com/qzx-uuha-ijn\nWith less opportunities at international\, national and local levels which focuse on reducing the gabs of information about refugees\, we have proposed this regular meeting to help our audience to know more refugees in DRCongo. These meetings helps to build contacts\, network and access more information about refugees in DRC.  Dialogue on the situation of refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Every Thursday: Time: 7pm time of Kinshasa/DRC\, which is 8pm time of Eastern DRC and which is 9pm time of Nairobi  (please fix the time in your country)\, Here is the link: https://meet.google.com/qzx-uuha-ijn\n\n  \n\nCoordination Meeting (this meeting is only limited to the members of the National Coordination): Every Saturday at 7:45 AM time of Kinshasa/DRC\n\nHere is the link: https://meet.google.com/qzx-uuha-ijn\n\nThere is also  COHERE Gathering every month on the situation of emergencies in DRCongo\, please contact this email for the link: e.page@wearecohere.org\, \nConference on the recognizing of the Genocide in the Democratic Republic of Congo\, in Kalemie City\, Tanganyika Province\n \nParticipants after the Conference in Kalemie City posing for a group Photo  \nThe National Association of the Victims of DRC together with COJESKI-DRC and the Congolese Civil Society known as SOCICO organized a Conference in Kamelie on this Saturday November 8th\, 2025\, under the Theme: International and National Recognition of the Genocide in DRCongo \nThe main Speaker\, Kulihoshi Musikami Pecos\, the National Coordinator of COJESKI DRC\, traced the history of brutal massacres in DRC which started early 1990s and which continue up to now with various wars. Tanganyika Province and the City of Kalemie is believed to be hostile for such activities and many people view these activities as sensitive politically because most of political actors who participated in various massacres are originally from the former great Katanga which include Tanganyika Province. \nAs a result of such perception of sensitivity of the Campaign\, over the years no activities have been done in this Province\, most of young people and elderly people in the Hall witnessed they had no ideas about all various massacres committed in DRC\, some hear about sporadically on the Radios and from Social Media but they do not know it real and serious to that extend. \nThe idea was exactly to challenge that perception of sensitivity and mitigate the debate\, we are so much aware of the risks especially threats and intimidations but we are committed to spread the debate in order to challenge ignorance. \nIn his presentation Kulihoshi Pecos highlighted about our dark history characterized by wars since 1996 up to day which claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people including lives in this particular Province which witnessed massacres caused by Ethnic Wars between Bantu and Twaa (Pygmies) over the years. \nHe also exposed on the history of the GenoCost which is now commemorated each August 2nd of every year and observed that activities are not so much carried out in this province. Recognizing the Genocide is justice and reparation to the survivors who are demanding for justice and that should start from us now. We may not achieve much if Congolese people are not fully aware of what happens and what is happening in their country where people are massacred because they are in a village which has minerals\, because their houses are near the Forest\, and because they belong to a certain tribe which perpetrators want to finish. It was a time to reflect on how people are claiming power through wars in which thousands of people are killed so that one person becomes a President. \nOn top of that issues of justice to the survivors\, memorials\, reparations and the guarantee of no repetition where also addressed in order to promote transitional justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Victims are in various categories which we found direct victims and indirect victims\, however it was clear to not that each person in Eastern DRC has in one way or the other been victim of the various wars. \nThe audience was composed of Actors of the Civil Society\, Students\, Journalists\, legal practitioners and Local Authorities who also in their daily lives shared their experiences. \nQuestions \nVarious questions were asked focusing on understanding what genocide means\, the current legal framework in DRC\, the roles of the Civil Society and the Young People in order to prevent genocide\, the political obstacles that may be associated to this campaign\, the strategies and plans to fully create awareness among local communities\, and issues of restoring the dignity of the victims through projects. \nAll these questions were discussed and the audience left when there were still more issues to talk\, we recognize that we did not take all the concerns of the participants because of the time allocated to us to access and use the Hall\, and promised to organize more events around all these crimes in DRC. \n \nRapport of our participation in the 3Days Training of Civil Society Actors by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Kalemie – Tanganyika Province.\nParticipants in the Training organized by UNDP in Kalemie City\, Tanganyika Province \nFrom Monday November 4th\, to Wednesday November 5th\, 2025 UNDP Offices in Kalemie organized three days capacity building and training of actors of the Civil Society on “Promoting Social Contract and strengthening follow-up of reforms for a durable peace and inclusive government”. \nThe session focused on various strategies that should be implemented in order to interact with political actors and influence change in terms of services and policies. It was observed that Civil Society Actors may not have the necessary skills to engage Politicians in the language they speak and that alone may be a barrier. Topics like the Political Language\, the time factor\, conflict\, leaders and advocacy strategies and risk management where addressed during the training. \nParticipants were successfully equipped with skills that may help them to navigate some situations and this will help this Province in terms of human resource. There is a great in terms of training of actors of the Civil Society because various factors have affected negatively the Civil Society and it is currently in transition which should be supported. \nHowever in terms of communication about the training not enough was done\, the quality of the participants was not so much considered and in some cases the content of the training turned to be so much political than empowering. \n \n  \n  \nThree meetings are being held focusing on the situation of refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo. \n\nThe first meeting is held every Monday online and it is in French \, here is the link for those who want to participate: https://meet.google.com/qzx-uuha-ijn\n\n\nTime: 5pm Eastern DRCongo Time\, 4pm Kinshasa time\, and 6pm Nairobi time. This meeting is a form of information session which focusing of helping participants to know more about the refugee situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The main audience for this event are Congolese people both in the country and in the Diaspora and refugees both in DRCongo and outside DRCongo.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe second is held every Thursday and it is in English\, here is the link for those who wish to attend:https://meet.google.com/qzx-uuha-ijn\nWith less opportunities at international\, national and local levels which focuse on reducing the gabs of information about refugees\, we have proposed this regular meeting to help our audience to know more refugees in DRCongo. These meetings helps to build contacts\, network and access more information about refugees in DRC.  Dialogue on the situation of refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Every Thursday: Time: 7pm time of Kinshasa/DRC\, which is 8pm time of Eastern DRC and which is 9pm time of Nairobi  (please fix the time in your country)\, Here is the link: https://meet.google.com/qzx-uuha-ijn\n\n  \n\nCoordination Meeting (this meeting is only limited to the members of the National Coordination): Every Saturday at 7:45 AM time of Kinshasa/DRC\n\nHere is the link: https://meet.google.com/qzx-uuha-ijn\n\nThere is also  COHERE Gathering every month on the situation of emergencies in DRCongo\, please contact this email for the link: e.page@wearecohere.org\,\n \n  \n 
URL:https://cojeskidrcongo.org/event/weekly-and-monthly-meetings/
LOCATION:Virtual Meeting
CATEGORIES:Campaigns,Letters,Meetings,Petitions,Urgent Action
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cojeskidrcongo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ph_63398_246777-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251020
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20360108
DTSTAMP:20260525T032801
CREATED:20251013T180624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251019T011536Z
UID:25210-1760918400-2083363199@cojeskidrcongo.org
SUMMARY:New DRCongo Refugee Law
DESCRIPTION:Together with Florida State University\, under the FSU Project\, we are engaged on Campaign about the New DRCongo Refugee Law. We greatly appreciate Jessica who is our volunteer involved in this Campaign currently.
URL:https://cojeskidrcongo.org/event/new-drcongo-refugee-law/
CATEGORIES:Campaigns
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cojeskidrcongo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Kikongo_Two_women__Medium.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260427T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260427T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T032801
CREATED:20260427T174129Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T174148Z
UID:26599-1777276800-1777309200@cojeskidrcongo.org
SUMMARY:Ongoing meetings
DESCRIPTION:OUR CURRENT MEETINGS \n \nOn Monday April 27th\, 2026 Kulihoshi Musikami Pecos had a meeting with stakeholders at the Gombe High Court to discuss the reducing of the number of people accessing Courts currently\, in the same way Jacquie Maria will also meet stakeholders at N’djili High Court to discuss the same thing and see how we can work together to promote access to justice in Kinshasa. \nOn Tuesday April 28th\, 2026 we shall participate in the Meeting organized by the Monitoring Group which is hosted by the UN Human Rights Offices here in Kinshasa\, on which we shall engage them on the violation of IDPs and Refugee Rights and encourage them to also focus on this situation. \nOn Tuesday April 28th\, 2026 we shall participate in a three days workshop in Kinshasa being organized PanAfrican Defend Defenders and explore opportunities to present on the situation of marginalized human rights defenders especially those engaged in the promotion of the rights of IDPs and Refugees in DRC\, \nOn Thursday April 30th\, 2026\, we shall our communication plan meeting in order to come up with a communication strategy\, \nOn Wednesday April 29th\, 2026 Joyceline will hold a meeting with OCHA in order to find out about group clusters and humanitarian organizations which can help the victims in Maluku.
URL:https://cojeskidrcongo.org/event/ongoing-meetings/
CATEGORIES:Conference,Meetings,Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260507T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260507T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T032801
CREATED:20260507T102102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T102336Z
UID:26635-1778140800-1778173200@cojeskidrcongo.org
SUMMARY:Promoting the protection of refugees in DRC in line the world refugee day June 20th
DESCRIPTION:CAMPAIGNS FOR THE PROTECTION OF REFUGEES IN DRCONGO \nCalling upon all actors to stop perceiving and claiming that Rwandan Refugees in DRC are FDLR armed against Rwanda. The few in Militia Groups who have guns are fighting for the protection of fellow refugees who are always attacked by Rwanda in the absence of the Congolese Army and the United Nations Forces. Protect refugees and they will not have guns. \n \nSOLIDARITY WITH REFUGEES IS NOT A CHOICE BUT A MUST \nThis is what Germain Mirhonyi had to said and encouraged people to show acts of solidarity with refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo. \n \n3Million Refugees unknown in the Democratic Republic of Congo \nMore than 30 Million refugees have no protection of the state in DRC\, they are not identified and have no specific place of residence. \n \nWE SHOULD PROMOTE RESETTLEMENT FOR REFUGEES IN DRCONGO  \n \n 
URL:https://cojeskidrcongo.org/event/promoting-the-protection-of-refugees-in-drc-in-line-the-world-refugee-day-june-20th/
CATEGORIES:Campaigns,Conference,Letters,Meetings,Petitions,Trainings,Urgent Action,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cojeskidrcongo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG-20260504-WA01911.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260510T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260510T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T032801
CREATED:20260510T091505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260510T091541Z
UID:26679-1778400000-1778432400@cojeskidrcongo.org
SUMMARY:Campaign to mitigate Myths around refugees in DRCongo
DESCRIPTION:Great popular support to our Campaign for Solitary towards refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo  \nWith one objective: To mitigate the presence of refugees and mobilize the host communities to participate in the refugee protection. \n \nBackground information  \nNot much is spoken about refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo yet they do exist\, it is rare for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Congolese National Commissioner for Refugees to avail information to the public about refugees in DRC. Actually actors within the refugee regime claim that refugee issue in DRC is sensitive\, okay what makes it sensitive and can we address it? Until when should it be left sensitive? And should we leave it like that and how does it help refugees? Others claim that refugee issues in DRC is complex\, then what? Can we make it easier for other people to understand? How does this complexity contribute to the protection of refugees? Can ignorant local and host communities protect refugees? \nBasing on that background we strongly believe that refugee protection is based on a strong and well informed host community where the very first protection of refugees is rooted. That is why we are engaging the entire population to know more about refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo\, what is expected from the host communities in order to advance refugee protection and create better opportunities for refugees. \nThe first week of our social media campaign in DRCongo  \nToday is the first week of our Campaign we launched on Social Media in order to engage Congolese and other people of good will about refugees in DRC. We are making posters and then share them on social media at least one each day. The intention is to help our audience to know more about refugees and then give their views. \nWhile our Campaign has gained support\, positive reactions and provoked discussions in various WhatsApp groups\, we have also received messages threatening us and Congolese asking us questions what about Internally Displaced Persons\, in some groups some people has called us “Rwandans” especially when we spoke for the protection of Rwandan refugees. These are anyway mere messages. The phone numbers of people who have been negative are generally those from Rwanda. \nWe want to now to continue the Campaign  \nWe planned to have this campaign just for one week and should involve few people who should share their messages\, but we have been over whelmed by many requests from Congolese who have sent us their messages in solidarity with refugees and their Photos in order to publish them. So this Campaign will continue until all messages are done. \nThis is alone is a clear sign that the allegations which have been fabricated over the years that Congolese people are hostile against refugees are wrong and not accurate. This alone brings down the arguments that refugees should remain anonymous in DRC because the host communities may attack them. Now we should continue to empower the communities to improve the protection of refugees where they live together through activities such peace\, conflict resolution and pacific cohabitation between refugees and host communities. \nMeeting with a delegation of Rwandan Refugees  \n \nAs a result of this Campaign\, on Saturday May 9th\, 2026 a Delegation of Rwandan refugees visited our offices in Kinshasa in order to exchange on issues their facing. They welcomed our campaign and thanked us for raising up the situation of refugees and urged us to continue the good work\, and claimed that they are now convinced that they have allies in the Democratic Republic of Congo. \nThey also indicated to us how they live in anonymous and in secrete because they fear the regime of Rwanda may come to kill them and also fear the host communities in which they are living that they may attack Rwandan refugees because of the current war between DRC and Rwanda. This one said “The problem is that local population may not know who is a Rwandan refugees and who is a spy from Rwanda\, they call of us Rwandans and in that way there are risks to be attacked by the local population here in Kinshasa”. \nThis other one also said “my wife is a Congolese but she does not know that I’m a refugee from Rwanda\, I have lived in my area for 13 years now but no one knows that I’m a Rwandan refugee and I do not want them to know because they can attack me”. \nThis woman indicated to us “Now the challenge of hiding also is becoming a problem\, we have children who ask us questions\, we changed their names and gave them Congolese names so that others may not know they are Rwandans but now they ask questions: Where is our village? Who are our Grand-Parents and all other relatives\, can we go and visit them?” \nThen this other one also said “you see here in DRC the refugee status has no value\, there is no reason why Rwandan refugees should yearn for it\, because there are not protection measures attached to it. Actually in most cases UNHCR officers have participated in forced repatriations of Rwandan refugees\, these staffs have provided information to Rwanda about refugees\, and some among these UNHCR staffs are actually Rwandans who are used as spies”. \nIn our reactions we intended to argue and shared with them the reality that it may be difficult for Rwanda to come to Kinshasa\, pick a refugee and send him or her to Kigali\, and encouraged actually to share information with us and the government authorities about people they think are spies from Rwanda\, in the same way share information about people they think are at risk. We shared with them how a strong community bondage can help in the protection of refugees and this what we should promote. The fear they have about local population is based on their worst experience in 1998 when again Rwanda backed rebels attacked the Capital Kinshasa\, which we may not base on now\, and gain this happened because the host communities were not educated so much about the difference between refugees and Rwandan Migrants or Spies. We all agreed that host communities have no clear information about refugees and should be part of our focus. \nWhile we may not be certain if people within UNHCR and CNR who are perceived as Rwandans are Spies\, we are so much preoccupied about the selection of people who are working in these institutions who may raise issues of neutrality and trust\, and we are also preoccupied about the position of these institutions towards refugees’ especially Rwandan refugees.  UNHCR and CNR in DRC are not institutions refugees feel free to go towards but to run away\, this fades the whole mandate of protection. \nOfficial reactions  \nWe have not yet received any official reactions to this Campaign and it is not design for official purpose\, however some Actors of the Civil Society have shown their support. In the same way the Campaign has not yet attracted the mainstream media but again more activities focusing on the media will be organized. \nConclusion \nLet us help the host communities to get information about refugees and hold the host community responsible for refugee protection rather than hiding them about the presence of refugees in their communities. Let us help refugees to feel free so that they can explore their potential rather than living in fear\, pretense and hiding. \nPlease join us and let us do this together with you. \nThanks \n  \n 
URL:https://cojeskidrcongo.org/event/campaign-to-mitigate-myths-around-refugees-in-drcongo/
CATEGORIES:Campaigns,Conference,Letters,Meetings,Petitions,Trainings,Urgent Action,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cojeskidrcongo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Theo.jpg
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DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260511T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T032801
CREATED:20260511T102404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T102404Z
UID:26686-1778486400-1778518800@cojeskidrcongo.org
SUMMARY:What do think about our fellow young people in Wazalendo Local Defense Force in DRC
DESCRIPTION:On Friday May 15th\, 2026 we shall attend a public Conference here in Kinshasa under the Theme ” Entre défense du terroir et autorité de l’État : Le défi des Wazalendo. Rejoignez le débat” which means ” Between the defense of the territory and authority of the state: Challenges of Wazalendo\, join the debate”. \nBackground information \nWazalendo is the name attributed to all local armed groups in DRCongo which are opposed to the presence of Rwandan Army in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo\, Wazalendo means “Patriots”\, they are composed of young people who generally want to defend their land against foreign aggression\, most of whom have never been to school or did not go far with studies. They are playing a big role and in actual sense every Congolese who defends his land in one way or the other is a Muzalendo\, some did not take guns but they are in advocacy\, some are creating awareness among local population\, some are communicators\, some are in research\, some are in education……….. \nIn this case the Conference will focus on those who took guns and who are on front-line fighting against Rwandan Troops\, much as they are brave and have greatly posed a serious threat to Rwanda\, they have also committed various human rights violations against vulnerable Civilians such as extra-judiciary killings\, looting\, rape\, torture and other inhuman treatment\, and in some cases they impose heavy taxes to poor communities\, take their agriculture produce and animals by force and loot the Minerals among other crimes. Generally Wazalendo operate in areas where the state is either absent or it is not functional\, in many cases they are the state and make their own laws based on better offer. \nWe do highly regret these behavior which contradicts what they stand for and which pushes them far away from the intention to protect the local population\, however we observe that the big responsibility lies on the state which does not exist in many parts of the country\, leaving a very big place without the presence of the state is one among the factors\, we also observe the failure of the current Government to respond to the basic needs of Wazalendo as they are fighting and strongly condemn various actors who criminalize the Wazalendo instead of supporting them and offering them the necessary trainings in terms of capacity building. Wazalendo remain civilians who have guns and the real solution is the withdraw of Rwandan Forces on the DRC Territory then Wazalendo will also melt down. \nPOSITION \nWe need to come close to Wazalendo\, work with them in order to improve the situation of local population\, train them\, extend support to them and propose them other alternatives in order to cover their basic needs beyond the use of guns\, intimidation and acts of violence against local population. Let us avoid the tendancy to criminalize them and instead involve them as make them work for the change they want to see. \n 
URL:https://cojeskidrcongo.org/event/what-do-think-about-our-fellow-young-people-in-wazalendo-local-defense-force-in-drc/
CATEGORIES:Campaigns,Conference,Meetings,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cojeskidrcongo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Wazalendo.png
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260517T080000
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DTSTAMP:20260525T032801
CREATED:20260517T110600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260517T110600Z
UID:26701-1779004800-1779037200@cojeskidrcongo.org
SUMMARY:
DESCRIPTION:Engaging the audience on issues around Wazalendo\, they should be trained and supported but not criminalized because of human rights violations. Find more here ” https://cojeskidrcongo.org/forming-a-consessus-on-issues-around-wazalendo-during-a-conference-organized-by-dypol-in-partnership-with-friedrich-ebert-stiftung/   \nComing events \nWednesday May 20th\, 2026 we shall have a training on Refugee Durable Solutions which will take place at Kalamu Division Offices in Kinshasa. \nOn Saturday May 23 visit to IDPs around Kinshasa\, \nTuesday May 26th 2026 Commemorating the forced deportation of Angelo Habomuremye a Rwandan refugee Human Rights Activist picked in Goma DRC. \nMay 28th\, 2026 attending a meeting at the United Nations Offices in Kinshasa and a Day of Actions for Women’s Health Rights in DRCongo. \n  \n 
URL:https://cojeskidrcongo.org/event/26701/
CATEGORIES:Campaigns,Conference,Meetings,Trainings,Urgent Action,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cojeskidrcongo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Conf-Three-scaled.jpg
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