The M23 conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has drawn widespread attention across Africa. As mainstream media presents conflicting narratives, graffiti artists have taken matters into their own hands, addressing the centralisation of information. The #sprayforcongo initiative by RBS Akademya called upon artists from five cities across the continent; Dakar, Kinshasa, Nairobi, Lomé, Cotonou, and Ouagadougou. The artists responded to this call by creating murals addressing this ongoing conflict, with the central message of #FREEGOMA.
The RBS Akademya collective, the initiative’s originators, kicked off the movement by creating a striking 4-meter-long mural. The bold and unapologetic, mural features Rwandan President Paul Kagame in a yellow jumpsuit, alongside images of young children, military trucks, tanks, women, and Black Panther Party symbols. The artists set the images against the backdrop of the Congolese flag. Slogans such as #FreeCongo and #FREEGOMA amplify the mural’s message, calling for global attention and action.
The RBS Crew addressed the issue directly on Instagram, stating:
“The desire to muzzle us will be the cause of your loss. Ignorance will be abolished in all corners of Africa, from Dakar to Kinshasa. There, you will feel the weight of a people standing united for the same cause. Think out of the box.”
The Kinshasa Art Collective in the DRC addressed the government, urging them to end the war that has plagued Congo for over three decades. Their fresco honours the Congolese army, the FARDC, and the Wazalendo coalition for their efforts in restoring peace to the country. The artwork features images of military figures and civilians, all draped in the Congolese flag, wielding swords and guns. It emphasizes the fearlessness of these groups in their fight for independence and freedom from imperialism and capitalism.
With a bold stance, they state: “It’s time for this to stop. Since diplomacy hasn’t solved anything, the only way for us to be respected is to retaliate. As the saying goes, ‘He who wants peace prepares for war.'”
In Kenya, graffiti artist Bankslave shows consistent support for Congolese refugees fleeing the war to Kenya. His artwork depicts a hand holding the word “Congo,” which appears to be bleeding. Surrounding this central image are depictions of hope, such as a raised fist with various inscriptions like #FREEGOMA and #FREECONGO, covering the wall. This mural highlights the ongoing plight of the Congolese people, many of whom have sought refuge in neighbouring countries like Kenya.
Meanwhile, in Togo, the Togo street art collective focused on the devastating effects of the war on children. One mural shows an intimate stance of a child praying for Congo. The other portrays a child’s hair transforming into a cloud of smoke, symbolizing innocence lost. The murals showcase the following words: “Kagame must be judged,” “Stop violence,” and “No violence”. Moreover, the background images depict the city of Kinshasa, with buildings burning. With this, the artist exposes the political forces behind the conflict and its toll on future generations.
In Benin, graffiti artist Dr. Mario also addressed the war’s impacts, particularly on children. His mural portrays men and women fleeing the chaos, with a child representing hope for a brighter future. Along with images of a chameleon, a shield, and an arm displaying the Congolese flag, the mural features the words “Paix” (peace) and #FREEGOMA, signalling a call for an end to the violence.
Across Africa, more artists continue to use their platforms to raise awareness of the conflict. They share archival footage and images of Congo, educating their audiences about the role of music and the arts in fighting wars. In this fight for justice, graffiti art has become a powerful tool for freedom of speech, amplifying the voices of those fighting for peace in Congo.
Click here to check out the RBS Crew’s work.
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