[AUDIO] Youth Leadership and Artistic Action in the DRC

Welcome to the first episode of More Than First Responders, The  Podcast, where young humanitarians open up about their work, their take on the system, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Hosted by Ciara Watson, a coordinator of the digital community for young humanitarians and advocacy professional with Violet Syria, this season kicks off with Christophe Hamisi from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Christophe talks about the protracted and often overlooked conflict in his country, the shortcomings of the humanitarian system, and how grassroots organising is driving change in both the humanitarian and climate justice movements. He also shares how art can spark solidarity and real transformation, and sets the stage for big themes this season like youth leadership, self-care, and creative campaigning. Hodari Fund: https://www.fondshodari.org/fr ⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode was recorded in December 2024. Since then, the situation in Eastern DRC has become even more alarming. Goma and Bukavu are now under armed group control, banking services have been shut down for months, and reports describe widespread abuses including displacement, gender-based violence, arrests, and forced recruitment. Today, the crisis is escalating, with over 7 million people displaced and 27 million people in need of humanitarian assistance [UNHCR, 2025]. ⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode contains sensitive themes, including sexual violence and abuse. Listener discretion advised.