The iconic Amani Festival, a cornerstone of Goma’s cultural scene, will for the first time in its history be held outside the city. The 11th edition, originally set in Goma, will take place in Lubumbashi from April 10 to 12, 2026, due to ongoing insecurity in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“We are aware that there are several constraints the festival would face if it were organized in Goma, notably cancellations by artists who cannot travel to a zone that is not under Kinshasa’s control. So we believe this is among the reasons why the festival has been relocated,” said Augustin Mosange, director of the Goma Cultural Center.
Launched in 2014, the Amani Festival has become a powerful symbol of peaceful coexistence in North Kivu, a region long affected by armed conflict. The festival embodies the determination of youth to promote peace over war, attracting artists from across Africa and beyond, and drawing several thousand spectators each year.
For residents of Goma, the relocation is a bitter pill to swallow. “It is certainly a disappointment, a small disappointment, but we know it is also a way for the festival to survive despite the insecurity experienced here in the east of the country,” said David Kas.
Since January 2025, Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, has been under the control of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, creating logistical and security challenges for large public events.
Despite the move, the festival’s mission remains unchanged: to use culture as a lever for peace and hope in a region where conflict has long sought to silence the voices of youth. Organizers affirm that while the location has changed, the spirit of Amani continues to celebrate coexistence, artistic expression, and resilience in the face of adversity.
This edition in Lubumbashi will see the gathering of artists and audiences who share a commitment to peace, demonstrating that the festival’s message transcends geography.
