Umoja FM – North Kivu

Torn apart by 20 years of brutal and bloody conflict, North Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the most violence-stricken parts of the world. In a region with huge economic potential, many armed groups without specific goals regularly engage in fighting - with devastating consequences for the local populations.

Amplifying Voices (then known as HCR) worked with partners to set up a peace-building radio station on the edge of the so-called “Triangle of Death” which is making a significant difference to health and development in the region. Community volunteers are also actively trying to engage with armed rebels in the national park, through the radio station, to encourage them to lay down their arms.

What: Following a feasibility study conducted in May 2015, HCR worked with Feba and local partner Esader to set up a low-powered FM radio station in the town of Nobili, train personnel to run it and ensure that plans were in place for it to become an effective and locally sustainable community-centred radio project.

Outcomes: Despite the trauma brought about by years of violent conflict perpetrated by rebels in the national parc, community volunteers are actively trying to engage with combatants through the radio, to get them to lay down their weapons. An evaluation in 2018 showed how the station has contributed to the health and well-being of communities as well as strengthening community cohesion.

Our Role: Station setup, project design, community training, ongoing monitoring and evaluation