Kamate warns Congo communities are at riskCEFR A2
15 Mar 2026
Adapted from Guest Contributor, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Dieuvain Musaghi, Unsplash
François Kaserake Kamate is a climate and human rights activist from eastern DRC. He has worked for many years in non‑violent movements for justice and accountability. He warns that silence and exploitation risk harming communities and livelihoods.
Kamate says the DRC is rich in minerals but most people remain poor. He calls this a resource curse because minerals for phones, electric cars and batteries often feed violence. Militias and some state forces abuse civilians. He was arrested, moved to Kinshasa and lost his job. People fear joining protests because they can lose homes, jobs or their lives.
He asks for solidarity, peaceful strategies and space for young activists.
Difficult words
- activist — person who works for social changeactivists
- accountability — responsibility for actions and decisions
- exploitation — using people or land unfairly for profit
- livelihood — way people earn money and survivelivelihoods
- resource curse — problem when natural wealth brings harm
- solidarity — support between people or groups
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why are people afraid to join protests in the DRC?
- How could people show solidarity or support young activists like Kamate?
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