By Veronique Wanyema Saleh, Coordinator of Radio Kivu
In the heart of South Kivu, a region rich in mineral wealth, a program jointly launched by Cultural Survival and Femmes Pymees en Action (FEPA-Pygmy Women in Action), Radio Kivu FM, Congo, has been empowering Indigenous Pygmy communities to reclaim their rights and protect their ancestral lands from mining activities.
From September 2023 to July 2024, the program focused on equipping Pygmy communities with the tools and skills needed to engage in nonviolent advocacy and fostering dialogue with mining companies and local authorities to ensure their voices are heard and their rights respected.
The program's impact was significant in Lemera, a village in the Uvira territory. Pygmy communities, long-suffering from land expropriation due to intensive mining, were trained in nonviolent advocacy techniques. Through persistent and peaceful engagement, they managed to open a dialogue with the OLIVE mining company, which had previously disregarded their concerns. This dialogue resulted in a landmark agreement, with the company agreeing to resettle some Pygmy families on their ancestral lands, demonstrating the power of peaceful negotiation.
In the village of Lugushwa, within the Mwenga territory, the project facilitated regular meetings between mining stakeholders, local authorities, and Pygmy communities. These multi-party dialogues fostered a collaborative environment, leading to the establishment of a monitoring committee to assess the impact of mining activities on indigenous rights. The committee successfully pressured mining operators to rehabilitate areas damaged by mining and respect the land rights of Pygmy communities, proving that peaceful coexistence and mutual respect are achievable.
The program also extended its reach to the village of Misisi in the Fizi territory. It played a crucial role there in rehabilitating a 20-kilometer stretch of road leading to the village, improving accessibility and connectivity for the community. Furthermore, it facilitated the re-establishment of positive relations between the leaders of the Basimukuma Nord group and the Pygmy peoples in the area through an advocacy mission that encouraged responsible mining practices. This advocacy led to the mining company BANRO rehabilitating the road, showcasing the positive outcomes that can arise from collaboration and dialogue.
These success stories underline the transformative power of non-violent advocacy in empowering marginalized communities to assert their rights and protect their heritage. The project has yielded tangible results, such as land restitution and infrastructure improvements, and fostered a sense of agency and empowerment among Pygmy communities. By equipping them with the skills and confidence to engage in constructive dialogue, the project has paved the way for a more equitable and sustainable future where the rights and voices of indigenous peoples are respected and upheld.
The program in South Kivu stands as a testament to the effectiveness of community-led initiatives in addressing the complex challenges posed by extractive industries. It demonstrates that through peaceful advocacy, dialogue, and collaboration, it is possible to achieve positive change, protect the environment, and ensure the rights of indigenous peoples are respected.
In 2023, Radio Kivu FM Congo, received a grant from Cultural Survival’s Indigenous Community Fund, which provides opportunities for international Indigenous radio stations to strengthen their infrastructure and broadcast systems and creates training opportunities for journalism, broadcasting, audio editing, technical skills, and more for radio journalists from Indigenous communities around the world. In 2023, the Indigenous Community Media Fund supported communities with 60 grants totaling $420,000 to Indigenous community media in 20 countries, supporting 87 Indigenous Peoples.
