Football: a symbol of social cohesion between South Sudanese refugees and the host population of Bele

Football: a symbol of social cohesion between South Sudanese refugees and the host population of Bele

By Samuel K

Football is a truly universal language that transcends borders and cultural differences. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), sport promotes social cohesion. In the district of Bele, located in the Faradje territory in the province of Haut-Uélé, football has broken down barriers between South Sudanese refugees and the host community.

For several years, with support from the Congolese Government and UNHCR, Bele has been the village to receive refugees from South Sudan, with many living alongside the local communities that took them in. When the South Sudanese refugees arrived, cohabitation was difficult due to cultural, linguistic, and other differences.

Simon S is a 24-year-old South Sudanese amateur footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Dragon FC de Bele. Because of the political tensions in his country over the last few years, Simon was forced to flee South Sudan in 2021 to take refuge in Bele in the DRC. This situation meant that Simon's life was no longer like it had been before. In a new environment, with a new culture, a new language, and no team where he could play football, what a challenge for this football fan!

"I felt like I was cut off from the world, given my inability at the time to approach the Congolese," says Simon, adding: "I was like in a black hole, not knowing where to start."

But the best way for him to overcome these challenges was to use his knowledge of football, one of the gifts he says he received from God. He joined the host community's Dragon FC team and was accepted by his Congolese teammates because of his talent and know-how, despite the linguistic and cultural differences.

As a good player, Simon understood that football could help promote social cohesion and personal well-being. He started training with the Dragon FC team, and very quickly rose to the position of full-back by working hard with the others.

"When you play football on the pitch, linguistic or regional differences, or even differences of race, no longer exist; you all become players and run after the ball without asking too many questions. That's how we got to know each other, and other South Sudanese refugees began to open up to the Congolese thanks to football, creating social cohesion between the populations."

Gabriel B said: "Football keeps me busy. When I'm out on the pitch, all I can think about is having an exceptional career as a professional footballer, and I feel sorry for my friends who are scattered all over the place, but when I'm out on the pitch, my fears disappear and I find myself at peace with myself."

Guy T went on to say that thanks to football, we can see the impact on social cohesion by breaking down stereotypes. Football helps to break down prejudices between refugees and the local population, with everyone getting to know each other better. Creating social links by playing together, friendships are formed, and solid bonds are forged, promoting better cohabitation and reducing tensions.

Sport offers an outlet for the frustrations and tensions that can exist, particularly in contexts of stress and economic hardship that affect young people. Young people are often on the front line of the challenges of integration, but they find football a way to engage positively.

In Bele, football is more than just a leisure activity; it is a symbol of social cohesion, uniting people from different backgrounds around a shared passion. It transforms social interactions and helps to build bridges between South Sudanese refugees and the host populations of the DRC, thereby promoting more peaceful and sustainable coexistence.