Marcelat Sakobi, a boxer from the Democratic Republic of Congo, caught the world’s attention with a powerful gesture following her defeat at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Placing her hand in front of her mouth and mimicking a gun with two fingers to her head, Sakobi highlighted the violence ravaging her home country.
Competing in the 57 kg category, Sakobi lost to Uzbekistan’s Sitora Turdibekova in a split decision by the judges. However, the outcome of the match was overshadowed by her protest and plea for help for her nation.
Sakobi’s act was not an isolated incident. She drew inspiration from Congolese footballer Cédric Bakambu, who made the same gesture during this year’s African Cup of Nations. Their aim is to bring attention to the armed conflicts plaguing the African country.
The eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been a battleground against the M23 militia, led by the Tutsi ethnic group. In the latest attack, over 270 lives were lost. This region borders Rwanda, which has been accused of supplying weapons to
The international community has taken notice of Sakobi’s bold statement. Various human rights organizations have expressed support for her and are using her gesture to amplify the call for action in the region. Social media has been abuzz with discussions about the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, thanks to Sakobi’s protest.
Experts believe that gestures like Sakobi’s are crucial in drawing global attention to issues that often go unnoticed. Her actions have sparked conversations about the role of athletes in activism and the power of sports as a platform for political and social messages.
Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, local activists have praised Sakobi for her courage. They hope that her international visibility will translate into more substantial aid and diplomatic intervention to address the violence and humanitarian crisis in the country.
Sakobi, reflecting on her protest, stated that she felt it was her duty to use the global stage to speak out for her people. She expressed a desire for peace and stability in her homeland and urged the international community to take immediate and effective action.
As the world watches, Sakobi’s message is clear: the fight for justice and peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues, and it needs global support.
