Topic: 2025-Safeguarding and Promoting Traditional Sports and Games
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Delegate Name: Carter Baar
Imperialization has created many lasting scars in societies around the world that are still very prominent today. After many peoples were robbed of the natural resources around themselves, they had little to get by and many problems that their oppressors left them with. Not to mention that the oppressors divided up the land in ways that would pair up conflicting tribes and lead to corruption and conflict that has lasted to this day. One of such nations that was created was the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although they have had the same problems with conflict and depletion of resources, the Congo has also been able to enjoy more of their culture than before. However, struggle between ethnic groups, specifically with those in power, has led to suppression of some cultures.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo believes that cultures should not be repressed and that all people have the right to their own expression. Congo typically points blame at western powers, mainly using history as a point of reference. Although some culture has been able to present itself in Congo, such as the rise of the popular sports Nzango, Kipura, and Libanda (Home), the development of culture in Congo is a complicated topic, as many ethnic groups contest for power and often turn a blind eye to rival ethnicities. Therefore, the DRC is controversial in the way that they mostly support cultural growth, but are biased to which cultures are helped, and which ones are left behind (Minority Rights Group). That is just one side of the coin, however, because wanting to spread awareness of a culture or sport is much different than being able to, and with limited money, infrastructure and resources that the DRC has at its disposal limits the advancement of recreational infrastructure (Least Developed Countries). Which in turn limits the popularity and influence of sports and promotes already popular sports such as soccer.
As a developing nation, the Congo supports legislation which will help improve infrastructure building that can then support the growth of traditional games. As the DRC is in a financial position that does not allow it to provide this financial aid, the DRC will look for opportunities from UN organizations such as the UNDP, UNESCO, and other willing countries. The DRC will also look to maintain state sovereignty and not accept programs that coerce countries into supporting traditional sports. However, it will encourage other countries to follow its lead in providing traditional sports to the populace and opening up cultural opportunities while maintaining order and peace.
Works Cited:
“Home.” Traditional Sports, 6 June 2019, www.traditionalsports.org/.
“Least Developed Country Category: Democratic Republic of the Congo Profile | Department of Economic and Social Affairs.” United Nations, United Nations, 2024, www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/least-developed-country-category-democratic-republic-of-the-congo.html.
“Republic of Congo.” Minority Rights Group, 9 Apr. 2024, minorityrights.org/country/republic-of-congo/#:~:text=However%2C%20ethnic%20tensions%2C%20particularly%20between,in%20power%20to%20this%20day.
