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Check FAQAbout Innocent
Innocent Buchu is a seasoned journalist based in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he has developed a reputation for insightful reporting on the intersection of media, culture, and social issues in the Great Lakes region of Africa. His work is characterized by a deep understanding of the local context, particularly the challenges and opportunities within Eastern Congo. Buchu's reporting has spanned a range of topics, from innovative business models employed by local media to maintain editorial independence, to environmental initiatives such as the plastic ban aimed at preserving the region's delicate ecosystem, to security news.. Buchu's journalism extends to covering significant cultural milestones, including the Congo International Film Festival and Goma's first contemporary dance festival, events that underscore the city's emerging arts scene and its potential to drive social change. His articles often shine a light on the role of the arts in fostering community resilience and transformation in a region frequently marred by conflict. Moreover, Buchu is known for his dedication to amplifying the voices of civil society. He has meticulously documented the collaborative efforts in drafting a regional strategy for citizen participation, thereby promoting intergenerational dialogue and bolstering the work of human rights defenders. Through his reporting, Buchu has become a key figure in highlighting the importance of civil society engagement and the ongoing struggle for human rights and environmental conservation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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Portfolio
Waste transformation into protein in DRC: when black soldier flies do the work
Murhula Zigabe, a 29-year-old entrepreneur from Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has developed a method to transform food waste into protein for poultry, livestock, and fish using black soldier flies. This initiative by his company, Briquette du Kivu, aims to provide an alternative solution to deforestation in the Congo Basin, which is necessary for traditional protein production. The process involves collecting food waste from various sources and using the flies to convert it into protein. Despite producing 70 kg of protein per week, the demand in Bukavu far exceeds the supply. Customers have reported improved growth in their livestock, and the project employs seven people, including Ange Mungu Antabale, who manages the life cycle of the flies. The initiative is seen as a sustainable and economical alternative to traditional protein sources, which often require more resources and contribute to environmental issues.
Press Freedom: The Radio Station Doing Business to Guarantee Its Editorial Independence in Eastern DRC
Radio Tayna in Goma, Eastern DRC, has established a business selling essential goods and operating motorcycle taxis to maintain its editorial independence after traditional funding ceased 12 years ago. This initiative by director Jacques Vagheni has allowed the station to overcome the economic precarity that often threatens journalistic independence in Africa, as noted by Reporters Without Borders. The DRC ranks 149th out of 180 countries in the 2021 press freedom index. Despite the challenging environment, Radio Tayna's model provides benefits to its staff, like journalist Gracias Mwanza, and ensures the production of quality programming.
Returning to the origins through dance
The Hadisi Urban Festival in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, serves as a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange, focusing on dance as a medium to reconnect with roots and identity. The festival features artists from Goma and around the world, including Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Burkina Faso, and the United Kingdom. Participants like Taylor, a local dancer, Bisola Bello, a Nigerian dancer based in London, and Koko Byamungu Kabamba, a multidisciplinary artist from Bukavu, explore themes such as the planet's future, HIV awareness, and freedom of expression. The festival is seen as a positive force for young artists in Goma, promoting social integration and psychological healing through public dance performances.
Environmental protection in a conflict zone?
The article discusses the implementation of a plastic ban in Goma, a city in Eastern Congo, known for its conflict-ridden history. Despite the city's challenges, including wars, a volcanic eruption, and epidemics, Goma has introduced a ban on plastic bags to combat environmental degradation. The ban has led to a reduction in plastic waste but has also faced criticism due to the lack of affordable alternatives and distrust in the government. The article explores the perspectives of market vendors, domestic workers, and local craftsmen on the ban. It also highlights the role of community work (Salongo) in promoting cleanliness and environmental awareness. The piece touches on the challenges of waste management and the potential for traditional craftsmanship to provide sustainable alternatives to plastic. The article concludes with a sense of optimism about the future of environmental protection in Goma, despite the difficulties in eliminating commercial waste.
Intergenerational Dialogue, a Passport for Peace Between Generations in the Great Lakes!
From September 28 to 30 in Goma, DRC, 40 civil society members from the DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda participated in an intergenerational dialogue to draft a regional strategy for inclusive citizen participation. Organized by Yole!Africa and CIVICUS, the event aimed to unify the wisdom of elders and the dynamism of youth to prepare for human rights advocacy in the Great Lakes region. Participants shared experiences and discussed cultural prejudices, decision-making participation, accountability, transparency, inclusion, and networking. The outcomes will contribute to a regional strategy to enhance collaboration among human rights defenders across generations.
From Film to Rumba at the Launch of the 12th Edition of the Film Festival
The 12th edition of the Congo International Film Festival (CIFF2017) was launched on July 8, 2017, by Petna Ndaliko Katondolo, founder of Yolé!Africa and artistic director of the festival. The event took place outdoors at Cap Kivu hotel by Lake Kivu. The festival aims to engage the local community in self-care and consciousness awakening, as stated by volunteer coordinator Ganza Buroko. The opening featured the screening of short films including 'Mugabo' by Rwandan-German director Amelia Umuhire and 'Peer Gynt' by Belgian director Michiel Robberecht. The event also included a surprise fashion contest and opportunities for attendees to connect and enjoy Congolese Rumba and Ndombolo dance.
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