Goma's iconic Amani Festival relocates to Lubumbashi
The 11th edition of the Amani Festival will take place in Lubumbashi, southern DR Congo, from Fri, Apr 10 to Sun, Apr 12, 2026, due to security concerns in Goma.
The 11th edition of the Amani Festival will take place in Lubumbashi, southern DR Congo, from Fri, Apr 10 to Sun, Apr 12, 2026, due to security concerns in Goma.
According to Augustin Mosange, director of the Goma Cultural Center, the relocation is necessary due to logistical challenges, including potential cancellations by artists who are unable to travel to areas outside Kinshasa's control.
Since its inception in 2014, the Amani Festival has served as a symbol of peaceful co-existence in the eastern region of Congo, despite the presence of numerous armed groups.
The 11th edition of the Amani Festival will take place in Lubumbashi, southern DR Congo, from Fri, Apr 10 to Sun, Apr 12, 2026, due to security concerns in Goma.
Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, has been under the control of M23 rebels since January 2025. The absence of the festival this year is felt by many residents, although the decision is understood as a necessity for the festival's continuity.
Launched in Goma in 2014, the Amani Festival aims to celebrate peace and unity. Annually, it attracts artists from within the city, across Africa, and beyond, drawing thousands of spectators. The festival's spirit, advocating for culture as a means of fostering peace and hope, remains unchanged despite the relocation.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
