Kamate warns Congo communities are at risk ^{CEFR B2}

François Kaserake Kamate, an activist from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, has spent thirteen years in non‑violent movements for justice and accountability. He warns that the combination of international silence, external exploitation and local failings risks erasing communities and livelihoods across the country.

Kamate calls the situation a "resource curse": minerals that go into phones, electric cars and batteries instead of fostering development are linked to armed violence. Militias and some state forces abuse civilian rights; armed groups sometimes act to serve multinational business interests, and neighbouring countries may sponsor violence to gain access to mineral wealth.

He points to three internal pillars that sustain power and violence and that push civilians to accept payments or speak against activism:

• Ignorance of rights
• Poverty that limits choices
• Corruption that buys loyalty

Kamate also criticises many international projects and organisations for ignoring local values and voices, calling some reactions "performative condemnation" and linking them to "white saviorism." He promotes hope as a form of resistance, works with women who lost children and families, and urges peaceful strategies. He asks everyone to act: "If I keep quiet, Congo in twenty years will disappear completely from the map." He calls for solidarity and created spaces where young activists can be heard.