Residents of Bukavu are turning to comedy for a temporary reprieve as the ninth edition of the International Zero Polémique Festival brings performers from across Central and West Africa to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The week-long festival is being held in Bukavu from 9 to 15 November, with comedians from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire taking part. Performances at the Bukavu Comedy Club feature anecdotes, improvisations and jokes.

Laughter amid uncertainty

The event is taking place against a backdrop of armed violence, prolonged humanitarian difficulties and uncertainty. People in eastern DRC have lived for several decades with armed conflicts, forced displacement and successive humanitarian crises.

According to the source text, Bukavu remains under the control of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, while clashes continue in several surrounding areas. In that setting, the festival has provided spectators with a short break from stress and everyday anxieties.

Jospin De Mars, a comedian based in Bukavu, said the audience response had particular meaning during difficult times.

“It is a pleasure to see so many people laughing at your jokes when we are going through stressful and difficult times. Being able to make people laugh really makes me happy,” he said.

Jojo La Légende, a comedian from the Republic of Congo, also described the reaction of spectators as uplifting.

“It brings me joy. I am moved to see that these are people who need happiness, people who need laughter. They are happy, they are delighted,” he said.

A space for connection

Beyond entertainment, the festival is intended to encourage contact between artists from different backgrounds. Performers are exchanging experiences and artistic styles while creating opportunities for cultural interaction among the participating countries.

Jojo La Légende said the value of laughter extended beyond the stage. “Where there are smiles, there is joy, peace, good health and a positive atmosphere,” he said.

For audiences, the performances have offered a way to manage pressure and regain a sense of lightness, although the humour cannot remove the trauma of war or resolve the wider difficulties facing residents.

Joseph Haadi, a Bukavu resident, said attending the shows had helped him during stressful periods. “Honestly, it sometimes helps me grow and gain knowledge. It also makes us happy when we are stressed, then we come here,” he said.

The festival’s organisers aim to promote cultural exchanges and encourage encounters among artists from different nationalities. For residents attending the performances, the event has created a shared moment of laughter while uncertainty continues beyond the venue.