Aktionswoche für Demokratische Republik Kongo

On Monday 4 May, West Ham and Congolese international footballer Herita Ilunga kicked off a week of awareness-raising events in London to draw attention to the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo - a crisis that has gone from the headlines but which has not gone away.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to one of the most brutal and deadly conflicts since World War 2, and it does not get the attention it deserves.

Artists, writers, public figures and activists will come together under the banner of Congo Now! to highlight not just the unacceptable suffering of the Congolese people, but also the country's untapped potential, its creativity and cultural energy. On Monday West Ham left back Herita Ilunga launched a community football tournament in Regent’s Park in cooperation with Christian Aid.

Immediate and sustained efforts are required now by British and other international policy makers to finally tackle the underlying issues which drive the conflict and break the cycle of violence. Since 1998, more than 5 million people have died as a result of the conflict in the Congo, and the hunger and disease that it unleashes.

West Ham footballer Herita Ilunga said:

"Despite the atrocities the Congolese people are suffering now, it remains a magnificent country, with a warm and unbeaten spirit and a huge richness and diversity of culture. Such violence against civilians, particularly children and women, is totally unacceptable. Everyone must mobilise not just to educe the violence, but to stop it completely."

This year, Congo Now! runs from 4-8 May. For the Events Programme check the -> website of Congo Now!