Displaced people in DRC hope mediation efforts to bring them peace

As senior officials from east and south African nations gathered in Tanzania on Friday for a joint summit to address the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), displaced people in DRC are placing their hopes for peace on mediation efforts.

Fighting between the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group and Congolese government forces have escalated since January.

The rebels claimed they had taken control of Goma, the capital of strategic mineral rich North Kivu province and a key regional hub, before heading south toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.

It's not the first time M23 rebels have captured Goma. In 2012 the rebels marched into the city with barely a fight, but their occupation was short lived.

This time round, the situation is different - M23 shows little sign of leaving. Goma fell on Sunday after a fierce battle described by some as a massacre that has claimed nearly 3,000 lives.

Calls by the International community including the UN have done little to change the situation.

On Monday, the rebels announced a ceasefire which was violated within hours as they continued to advance to other towns. But some are still clinging on their hope for peace.

At one of the displacement camps at Mugunga in Goma, many are expecting that peace will come after the meeting between the Southern Africa Development Community and the East African Community taking place in Tanzania.

"Bring us peace so that we can return to our homes. We are suffering a lot, the fighting has claimed many lives, we pray for peace," said Alice Mwamini, an internally displaced person.

Her sentiments are echoed by Musamali Joseph, a father of six, who has been at the camp since February last year.

"We need peace so that we can return home and earn a living and send our children to school. Hunger is killing us in this camp," said Joseph.

As many lives are riding on the success of the two-day talks, it remains to be seen what can achieve in two days.

Displaced people in DRC hope mediation efforts to bring them peace

Displaced people in DRC hope mediation efforts to bring them peace

The inaugural maritime film festival kicked off on board China's first domestically built large cruise ship Adora Magic City on Sunday, with classic movie screenings, exhibitions of cinematic memorabilia and interactive activities together creating a special journey for travelers.

Jointly presented by Adora Cruises and Changchun Film Group, guests are treated with movie screenings, panel sessions with actors, as well as interactive performances themed on classic movies during a five-day voyage.

The themed cruise season will run until the end of June on three cruise ships.

"Through the in-depth expansion of the 'film plus' model, we combine resources across sectors to explore new pathways for the integrated development of the film and television industry and the cruise economy," said Zhuang Yan, chairman of Changchun Film Group, at the opening event.

Actor Hou Yong, who is on the maiden voyage of the film-themed cruise season, said he was looking forward to having interactive experiences with audiences.

"During this journey, I also look forward to those chances of encounters -- with film audiences, with film enthusiasts. As an actor, I feel I have the obligation, the capability, and the responsibility to pass on my understanding of Chinese cinema to them," he said.

Adora Magic City, 323.6 meters long, has a gross tonnage of 135,500 tonnes and can accommodate up to 5,246 passengers in 2,125 guest rooms.

First maritime film festival launched on China's homegrown cruise ship