The ongoing conflicts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have severely affected many areas, including sports. While much focus is on humanitarian and economic issues, the impact on sports is often overlooked. Sports bring people together, help young people grow, and support social development. However, in war-affected regions like North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, sports activities have been disrupted by violence, displacement, and lack of facilities.

Displacement and Loss of Talent

One major effect of the conflict is that many athletes and young sports lovers have been forced to flee. The United Nations says millions have left their homes because of violence, with many ending up in refugee camps or moving to other countries. This disrupts local sports leagues, training, and talent development. Many young athletes must give up their dreams to focus on survival.

Talented players leaving due to insecurity also weakens local teams. This makes it hard for professional and semi-professional sports to continue. Many Congolese footballers, basketball players, and boxers who could have become famous have seen their careers end or have had to leave their country.

Destruction of Sports Infrastructure

The ongoing conflict has also destroyed important sports facilities. Stadiums, training fields, and community centers have been taken over by armed groups or turned into military bases. In cities like Goma and Beni, football fields that once hosted tournaments are now abandoned or used as shelters for displaced people.

Without safe places for training and competitions, fewer people take part in sports. Without proper infrastructure, young athletes struggle to develop their skills, leading to a decline in sports in the region.

Decline of Sports Investment and Sponsorship

Companies and organizations avoid investing in sports in war zones. Sponsorships, which are important for organizing leagues and tournaments, are nearly nonexistent in eastern Congo. Big football clubs like AS Vita Club and TP Mazembe find it hard to recruit players from the eastern provinces because of insecurity.

International and national sports organizations also avoid holding events in the region, meaning local athletes miss chances to compete at higher levels. The few events that do happen often have little funding, poor organization, and security concerns.

Psychological and Social Effects on Athletes

The war has also affected the mental health of young athletes. Many have seen violence, lost family members, or been victims of war crimes. This trauma affects their mental well-being and makes it hard for them to focus on sports. Some young people who could have been great athletes are instead recruited by armed groups, reducing the number of talented players.

Sports have also been used in the past to help rebuild peace and bring people together. However, ongoing violence has made it difficult for sports to serve this purpose in eastern Congo.

The Hertier Luvumbu Incident: A Reflection of Regional Tensions

The conflict has also affected Congolese athletes outside the country. A well-known example is Hertier Luvumbu, a Congolese footballer who played for Rayon Sports in Rwanda and faced a serious incident during a league match.

Luvumbu, a skilled midfielder, was targeted with racist abuse and political attacks when he celebrated a goal to highlight the suffering of Congolese people in the war, drawing attention to the crisis in eastern Congo. His celebration caused a huge backlash from Rwandan officials, and he was punished in a way that many saw as political. This case showed the deep tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, as both countries have had ongoing disputes over the conflict.

For Congolese athletes, Luvumbu’s experience is a reminder that they are not only affected by war in their own country but also by political struggles even when playing abroad.

Efforts to Revive Sports Amid Conflict

Despite these struggles, some efforts are being made to rebuild sports in eastern Congo. NGOs and local groups have started programs to use sports as a way to bring peace and unity. FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have given some support to football in the region, but much more needs to be done.

Some community-led projects, like small football tournaments in camps for displaced people, have started. These show the strength and resilience of the people. These efforts prove that sports can still bring hope and unity in times of war.

The conflict in eastern Congo has seriously hurt sports, stopping talent growth, destroying infrastructure, and reducing investment. However, young athletes in the region continue to dream and push forward despite the difficulties. The case of Hertier Luvumbu shows that sports and politics are deeply connected, with Congolese athletes facing obstacles both at home and abroad.

To rebuild sports in the region, the Congolese government and international organizations must focus on peace efforts and invest in sports. If this happens, sports can once again bring people together and help transform the region.