DR Congo

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, communities continue to live with persistent cycles of violence, polarisation, and deep social divisions. Through The Peace Project, communities and local actors work together to strengthen relationships, address divisive narratives, and contribute to more inclusive policies that support long-term peace.

Context

In many parts of the DR Congo, communities experience the combined effects of chronic insecurity, polarising narratives, and limited interaction across identity groups. Misinformation and hate speech — often spread through media, propaganda, and the distortion of facts — can undermine trust and intensify existing tensions. 

 

Over time, weakened social cohesion has left communities, and young people in particular, more vulnerable to manipulation and recruitment by armed groups. Despite these challenges, community leaders, women’s networks, religious actors, and young people play a vital role in rebuilding trust and promoting peaceful coexistence. 

What We Do
in the DR Congo

Addressing polarising narratives. Divisive narratives, misinformation, and hate speech continue to shape how groups perceive one another and respond to conflict. The Peace Project works with communities and local actors to support more inclusive and responsible forms of communication.

This includes:

  • countering hate speech, misinformation, and propaganda 
  • creating media platforms where young people, journalists, and bloggers can engage in non-polarising dialogue 
  • promoting alternative, inclusive narratives through communication campaigns 
  • supporting psychosocial dialogue spaces that strengthen resilience and provide space for reflection 

Together, these efforts contribute to rebuilding social trust and supporting more constructive engagement across communities. 

Strengthening social ties. Limited interaction between groups can, over time, contribute to mistrust and polarisation, and may ultimately lead to scapegoating and exclusion. The Peace Project supports the strengthening of relationships across religious, ethnic, and generational divides through dialogue and practical cooperation.

In the DR Congo, this includes: 

  • inter-group collaborations where shared community challenges are addressed jointly
  • community mobilisation through shared social and cultural activities 
  • supporting networks of women leaders working for local peace, including through joint action on shared concerns such as (sexual) gender-based violence 

These interactions help reduce prejudice and rebuild social cohesion within and across communities. 

Promoting inclusive and fair policies. Exclusive decision-making and security practices can deepen divisions in conflict-affected settings. In parts of the DRC, security responses have often prioritised detection and repression, sometimes at the expense of trust between communities and authorities.

To support more inclusive governance and policymaking, The Peace Project: 

  • equips religious actors and youth to engage in advocacy at local, provincial, and national levels 
  • promotes non-discriminatory and equitable policies that do not privilege one group over another 
  • strengthens existing advocacy mechanisms so community priorities and peace concerns can be heard 
  • supports legal and policy frameworks grounded in equal civic rights for all 

These efforts contribute to reduced discrimination, improved trust, and safer, more inclusive local environments. 

Local Partners

The Peace Project works with a strong network of locally rooted organisations in the DRC, including Commission Diocésaine Justice et Paix Butembo-Beni (CDJP Butembo), Commission Diocésaine Justice et Paix Bukavu (CDJP Bukavu), Commission Diocésaine Justice et Paix Goma (CDJP Goma), Commission Diocésaine Justice et Paix Uvira (CDJP Uvira), and Habari RDC.