Hundreds of residents, human rights activists, and civil society representatives marched peacefully in the coastal Kenyan city of Mombasa over the weekend, calling for an immediate end to ongoing conflicts in several African countries, including Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Participants criticised the international community’s silence as civilian deaths and humanitarian suffering continue to mount in conflict zones across the continent.
Carrying placards and chanting peace slogans, protesters said African voices must be amplified in efforts to resolve wars largely driven by competition over natural resources.
“What is happening today in Congo or Sudan can happen to us tomorrow, because we also have resources,” said Mwaivu Kaluka, an activist with Kenya’s Communist Party.
‘Not simply ethnic wars’
Kaluka said countries such as Congo and Sudan are rich in minerals and other resources, but ordinary citizens rarely benefit from them. He added that foreign interference has played a significant role in prolonging the conflicts.
“These are not simply ethnic wars. They are conflicts fuelled by powerful interests fighting over Africa’s resources.”
“Those children are our children. We cannot enjoy our lives while others are being killed and have nothing to eat,” said Fatma Osman, one of the demonstrators. “As a mother, I ask myself how I would feel if that were my child.”
Participants urged the African Union, regional bodies, and government institutions to intensify diplomatic efforts and humanitarian interventions to prevent further loss of life and regional instability.
Humanitarian appeal
Protest organiser Rafik Rauf said the march was intended to mobilise public support and attract broader institutional involvement.
“These peace marches help us engage international organisations, African institutions, and the Kenyan government to support efforts aimed at ending the fighting and restoring stability,” Rauf said.
Organisers also launched appeals for humanitarian aid, including cash donations, food, clean drinking water, and basic hygiene supplies, particularly for civilians affected by the war in Sudan.
Protesters warned that prolonged conflicts in Africa risk destabilising neighbouring countries, including those currently at peace, and called for sustained pressure to address the root causes of violence.
Organisers said similar peace marches are planned in other Kenyan cities as part of a broader campaign to promote African-led solutions to African conflicts.
