Slam poetry, a dynamic form of performance poetry, has emerged as a crucial outlet for cultural expression and political dissent in the main cities of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly Goma and Bukavu. For a decade, artists gathered in public spaces, performed at festivals and stadiums, and guided students, using their verses to address societal issues.

However, this vibrant movement now faces unprecedented challenges as the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group has intensified its brutal insurgency since the start of the year, seizing these key cities and plunging the region into a severe crisis.

Backed by troops from neighboring Rwanda, the M23 has effectively crushed public dissent, forcing the once-thriving slam poetry movement underground. Artists like Shukuru, a 28-year-old slammer from Bukavu, speak of waking up each morning with fear, where even a hairstyle can provoke arrest, kidnapping, or worse. This rebellion is not only displacing millions but also threatening a cultural lifeline for young people striving to bear witness and challenge power.

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Many slammers have been forced to flee, while others who stayed have been targeted, finding themselves anxious, driftless, or even losing their words. Despite the dangers, some continue to practice their craft in exile or secretly within the country, creating powerful new works that amplify civil society voices.

The slam movement's roots in the DRC are deeply intertwined with the region's long history of exploitation and conflict. For over a century, Congo's riches have been plundered, first by Belgian colonial rulers and now by foreign powers and companies seeking minerals vital for the global economy, with little benefit reaching ordinary Congolese.

Violence escalated in the 1990s following the Rwandan genocide, leading to Rwandan government-backed rebels challenging Congolese administrations, with M23 being the latest iteration. Frustrated by persistent conflict and governmental failures, young Goma residents formed activist groups like La Lucha (Fight for Change). Many La Lucha activists, who protested for basic services and human rights, later became slammers, inspired by international artists such as French poet Grand Corps Malade.