Peace One Day Celebration in Goma

22 sep 2014

Peace One Day Celebration in Goma

Goma International airport was jammed to capacity with over 30.000 spectators in a mega concert organized by the Peace One Day foundation in commemoration of the International Peace Day on the 21of September 2014.

The concert was animated by United Nation Ambassador for Peace , multiple Grammy awards winner and musician Akon accompanied by Congolese musicians/celebrities amongst them Lexxus Legal, Dety Darba, humorists and traditional dances.

For over one hour Akon through Music with titles like “Freedom” conveyed Peace messages to the very enthusiastic crowd reiterating that Peace is synonymous to freedom for if there is no freedom there will be no Peace” If you want freedom put down your arms” he said.

The American born star called on all war lords to lay down their arms to give peace a chance in North Kivu, DR Congo the great lake region, Africa and the world at large. In a rhetoric question he asked “ Who will you make peace with today Peace Day 21 September?”.

Before the concert MONUSCO SRSG Martin Kobler while expressing his satisfaction to population for their massive turnout once again called on armed groups in North Kivu and the country in general to disarm, to put an end to all forms of violence including extortion, looting, and rape especially to the civilians. The day he went on “invites all to reflect on having 365 days of peace in North Kivu”. He thanked Akon and all the artists for their contribution in the quest for peace in North Kivu , DRC and the world.

North Kivu Governor Julien Paluku for his part said he was happy to see inhabitants of Goma participating in joyful events because one Year ago the same population did not have the opportunity for relaxation / celebrations of such magnitude due to insecurity by armed groups including the ousted M23.

Peace One Day organizer Jeremy Gilley in his message said “Peace is possible let us work together work for Peace”

Earlier a 7km Peaceful march organized by North Kivu Provincial youths from Rutshuru, Nyiragongo and Goma in collaboration with PID and a Marathon by UNHCR kicked off the activities of Peace One Day celebration.

It is worth noting that MONUSCO SRSG Martin Kobler ,North Kivu Head of Office Ray Torres and some Ambassadors and MONUSCO Staff participated in the Marathon which ended with the lighting of candles and observance of a minute of silence memory of North Kivu Martyrs.

Peace One Day was attended by accredited Diplomats in DRC and important Personalities from other province in the country and abroad.

Martha Biongo PIO /Goma