A recent report by NHPR highlighted a powerful moment of solidarity in Manchester, where members of the Congolese community gathered outside City Hall to bring attention to the continuing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite freezing temperatures, families, activists, and community leaders stood together to call for recognition, accountability, and action.
The demonstration underscored a reality many in the diaspora carry with them: the conflict in the DRC has never truly stopped. Participants urged U.S. lawmakers to take the crisis seriously and called for better support for Congolese asylum seekers. They also pressed for transparency around minerals extracted from conflict zones, pointing out that global industries continue to benefit from cobalt, coltan, and other resources tied to communities living through violence.
The NHPR piece amplified several voices from the gathering. Sandra Mwamini, originally from Bukavu, reminded everyone why they showed up despite the cold: “No matter the weather, we stand. Even in the snow, we will stand for our rights.”
Grace Kindeke, who arrived in the U.S. decades ago, spoke about the economic connection between consumer markets and Congolese suffering: “For all the benefits our global economy gets from Congolese blood, the people of New Hampshire stand up to say: no more.”
New Hampshire State Representative Mary Ngwanda Georges delivered a message directly to young people in the diaspora, encouraging them to see public leadership as a path forward: “The solution comes from you. If I can be a representative, you can be even more.”
According to state data cited in the original article, more than 1,000 Congolese refugees have resettled in New Hampshire since 2011, making their community one of the most active and visible in the state.
More than anything, this demonstration shows a community refusing to stay silent. It connects local advocacy to a global crisis and makes it clear that what happens in the DRC matters — not only for Congolese people, but for everyone linked to the products and industries that rely on Congolese resources.
Original article reference:
https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2025-02-19/nh-congolese-community-raises-awareness-about-ongoing-violence
