Telema Pona Congo
Stand Up For Congo
Understanding the Crisis in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The DRC is currently facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world. In early 2025, the conflict escalated when the March 23 Movement (M23), a rebel group, took control of Goma, a major city in the eastern DRC. This offensive has caused:
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Massive Displacement: Over 9.6 million people are now displaced within the DRC due to ongoing violence.
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Severe Casualties: More than 700 deaths and 2,800 injuries occurred during a five-day period in late January 2025.
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Gender-Based Violence: Reports indicate over 570 cases of rape within one week, including many children, as armed groups continue to wreak havoc on vulnerable populations.
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Humanitarian Shortages: Essential services in Goma—food, water, electricity, and healthcare—are critically strained, and the spread of diseases like cholera is worsening.
Stand Up for Congo
Eastern Congo is at the center of an urgent humanitarian crisis. The region, especially Goma, has long endured political conflict, displacement, and violence. Today, millions of displaced people are in desperate need of food, shelter, and medical assistance. The time to act is now, and together, we can make a meaningful difference.
Why Goma Needs Our Help Today
The people of Goma and the surrounding areas are facing unimaginable hardship due to displacement and violence. Two campaigns are actively raising funds to provide critical aid:
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SOS Congo - Déplacés du Kivu:
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Organized by Goma Actif, this GoFundMe campaign is dedicated to supporting displaced families in Kivu with essential supplies like food, shelter, and medical care.
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Urgent Support Needed in Goma:
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Organized by Friends of the Congo, this campaign provides emergency relief to those affected by the conflict in Goma.
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The Telema Uprising
In 2015, the Telema (meaning “stand up” in Lingala) Uprising became a powerful symbol of courage and resilience for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The youth-led movement was sparked by efforts to extend presidential term limits, but it quickly evolved into a broader call for justice, peace, and human dignity.
Telema Pona Congo was founded to continue this spirit of standing up for justice. Our mission is to honor the legacy of the 2015 uprising by turning global solidarity into concrete action that directly benefits the people of Goma.
Telema Pona Congo: Turning Solidarity into Action
At Telema Pona Congo, 15% of every sale from our Stand Up for Congo items is dedicated to providing critical aid—food, shelter, and medical resources—to the people of Goma.
Our mission aligns with global movements for justice, such as the Free South Africa campaign, which taught us that united global communities can bring meaningful, lasting change. Inspired by this spirit of solidarity, Telema Pona Congo is mobilizing international support to amplify the voices of those fighting for peace and justice in the DRC.
How You Can Help
Your support today can directly impact the lives of those suffering in Goma. Here’s how you can stand with us:
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Donate: Support the vital work of Goma Actif’s SOS Congo campaign and Friends of the Congo’s Urgent Support initiative. Every contribution brings immediate relief to displaced families.
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Shop with Purpose: Purchase our Stand Up for Congo items. 15% of each sale will go toward providing critical resources for Goma.
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Raise Awareness: Share the story of the Telema Uprising, Telema Pona Congo, and the current crisis in Goma. Let others know how they can take a stand for peace and justice.
Why Immediate Action is Critical
The humanitarian crisis in Goma is worsening by the day. Families are struggling to survive with little food, inadequate shelter, and no access to healthcare. Together, we can stand up and help build a future where peace and justice are not just aspirations but realities for the people of Goma.
Let’s take action today. Stand up for Goma. Stand up for Congo.
