The M23, which controls Goma, is set to launch the Peace Tournament (French: Tournoi de la Paix), a football competition starting on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Stade de l’Unité in Goma.
The tournament aims to promote unity and peace as the people of Goma continue to embrace a new identity for their city following its capture by the AFC/M23 forces.
The eight-day tournament will feature eight top football clubs from the Kivu region.
🗓️ Match Day 1 – Sunday, June 8
🕐 1:00 PM: DC Virunga vs. AS Kivu United
🕒 3:00 PM: AS Kabasha vs. DC Espoir
🗓️ Match Day 2 – Monday, June 9
🕐 1:00 PM: FC Mwangaza vs. FC Goma SP
🕒 3:00 PM: AS Dauphin Noir vs. FC Goal
The semifinals will be played on Wednesday, June 11 and Thursday, June 12, followed by the third-place playoff on Saturday, June 14.
The final match will be held on Sunday, June 15 at 3:00 PM, and is expected to attract massive attention depending on the finalists.
Beyond football, the Tournoi de la Paix serves as a platform to foster reconciliation, collaboration, and unity among the people of Goma, who are now committed to building lasting peace through sports and culture.
All matches will take place at Stade de l’Unité, one of the most iconic and historic stadiums in Goma. Football fans are encouraged to attend in large numbers, support their teams, and demonstrate how sports can be a powerful driver of positive societal change.
The tournament is organized by the governance of North Kivu province under M23 control, which took over the region in January this year.
