In the wake of violent clashes that has resulted in the deaths and injuries of several people in the east, the Congolese football federation (FECOFA) have confirmed the national will pay tribute to the victims of the ongoing war.
The Federation of Congolese Football (FECOFA) have confirmed the Leopards will tonight wear black armbands as they take on hosts Ivory Coast in a semi-final clash at the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Abidjan.
The Leopards will wear the black armbands in honour of the victims of ongoing violence caused by the M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“DR Congo has been in mourning over the last 48 hours by atrocities committed against the population of the east of our country by M23 rebels.
As a mark of mourning and in memory of our victims and out of a sense of national solidarity for our brothers and sisters, our National Team will wear a thin black armband on the right arm.
The Standardization Committee, through the Leopards Technical Staff, informed the continental football authorities (AFCON and CAN CÔTE D’IVOIRE 2023 Competitions)” the statement by FECOFA reads.
Tension has risen in the last few weeks in the eastern part of the country where the M23 Rebel Group backed by Rwandan defence forces have taken over several territories in the region.
