The first ever World Music and Tourism Festival in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, is set to take place from 16-18 July 2025, in a collaboration between President Félix Tshisekedi’s government and UN Tourism. It represents, according to a press release, “a unique opportunity to promote the DRC destination,” and will showcase the Congolese Rumba, which was recognised on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in December 2021.

Programme and venues

Traditional, urban, folk will also feature at the event, through “rhythmic and immersive performances from around the world” as well as a series of roundtables, addressing music as a unifying art form, issues related to copyright and intellectual property, the dynamization of destinations, the digital revolution, and the role that young people play in innovation and the promotion of musical heritage.

Venues include the newly inaugurated Centre Culturel des Arts – a 93,000m² complex financed through millions of Chinese and US dollars – as well as the Palais du Peuple, inspired by the architecture of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and the  recently transformed Gare Centrale area.

In addition to the gigs and panel events, the itinerary also offers a major food fair presenting cultural and gastronomic “treasures”;  an exhibition park with arts, crafts, and fashion stands; guided tours of the city of Kinshasa; and excursions on the iconic Congo River.

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Promoting Brand Africa and South-South ties

The DRC is launching the festival at a key moment for music and the travel and tourism sector, in the wake of a new report by Grand View Research that projects 18.8% growth in music travel worldwide over the next five years, amid increasing fan engagement with their favourite artists and iconic events, as well as surging investment in festivals and gigs by governments and tourism authorities.

Organisers emphasise that the initiative is “fully in line” with the priorities of the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa and the goal of Tourism for Inclusive Growth. A vision document sets out how the festival is designed to advocate for Brand Africa, promote cultural heritage and innovation, and empower young people.

Through its exploration of rumba, it also aims to strengthen so-called “South-South” ties, presenting different forms of artistic expression and cooperation between Africa and the Americas, and consolidating links between Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and beyond. Registrations for the event close on 27 June 2025.

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Background

A country rich in minerals and metals that are vital to the world tech industry, the DRC has long-suffered atrocities at the hands of competing ethnic militias and rebel groups supported by bad external actors, including, the UN has confirmed, from neighbouring Rwanda. Millions of refugees have been displaced over three decades amid weaponised sexual violence, genocidal massacres, and the use of child soldiers.

More recently, another half million have fled since the beginning of 2025 and the DRC severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda on 26 January 2025 as violence has once again surged.

What is happening now?

The country’s largest eastern city, Goma, an administrative and economic hub, appears to have been seized by so-called “M23” rebels. The AFP reports at least 100 dead and 1000 injured. Over 4000 prisoners have escaped and are now running free as terrified residents barricade themselves indoors.

Meanwhile in the capital Kinshasa, several international embassies have been targeted by violent protests, including that of former colonial power, Belgium, which was hit by an arson attack. The Congolese are demanding transnational action to prevent Rwanda supplying rebel groups with logistical help, weapons and forces.

Closed airspace and flight cancellations

As well as the threat to the local population and visitors already in the Republic, the escalation in violence has led to concern for the safety of international personnel. Unsurprisingly, travel disruptions affecting passengers have ensued, with Brussels Airlines cancelling two flights (SN 357 – SN 358) to Kinshasa due to “the current events” and the “tense situation”.

Other carriers have confirmed they are also monitoring the situation. Ethiopian Airlines and Jambojet cancelled flights to Goma after UN special representative and head of the local peacekeeping mission, Bintou Keita, said the M23 rebels had closed the airspace over Goma, trapping UN personnel and civilians. Flightradar24 data indicates no flights have taken place since, though the airspace is now said to be secured.

As for those on the ground in DRC, erstwhile Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Quintin advised they stay indoors and follow official updates and guidance. The Belgian Embassy in Kinshasa is said to be in contact with Belgian nationals in the area. 

L’article Is it safe to travel to DR Congo? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.