Volunteering for Integral Development in Rural Areas (VODIMIR).

Since 2003, VODIMIR has aimed to contain conflict peacefully and support all vulnerable groups and minorities through creating a space for their rights. The organisation consists of an extensive network of 18 community partnerships in South Kivu which are mostly local associations and churches. Through this network, VODIMIR attempts to bring positive change through workshops, counselling and financial loans.

Kasheke Market Rehabilitation

This is an initiative to re-establish a marketplace at Kasheke for the communities of Walungu and Kabare: two towns divided by a long-running conflict. The new site will be a space for dialogue and cooperation, emphasising the communities’ shared interests and history.

The 180,000 inhabitants of Walungu and Kabare share a long history, yet have become enemies. In 1996, Walungu was under the leadership of General Odilo and created a military group called Mai-Mai M40; this dominated Kabare, which did not form an armed group. Long-running tensions between the towns gained momentum from this point onwards.

The initiative was started by arranging meetings with key community leaders to discuss the problems between the two groups. After identifying potential ways to address their animosity, they were asked to tackle the underlying issues and initiate local discussions. Important economic players from both communities were then invited to bring their business to the market which helped to develop trust between the communities. Local people have been asked to participate in the rehabilitation of the market. Construction is expected to be finished within the next year. Upon completion, local leaders will be invited to sell their goods, in the hope that the two communities will follow their example.