How does misinformation spread in conflict zones, and what are the consequences for communities and human rights defenders?

In this episode, journalist Josué Mutanava speaks with Espoir Hamoni, a human rights defender based in Uvira, South Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. They discuss how disinformation, rumors, and fake news in eastern DRC can fuel hate speech, community tensions, displacement, and insecurity, while making it harder for human rights defenders to document abuses. Originally recorded in French by Soma Media Lab in Goma, this episode highlights the importance of media literacy, reliable journalism, and community awareness in countering misinformation. The English transcript is available in the episode description, and the video can be watched on YouTube with English subtitles. English Transcript: https://bit.ly/4uirWle

YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/4b8bxGW

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Comment la désinformation dans les zones de conflit affecte-t-elle les communautés et les défenseurs des droits humains ?

Dans cet épisode, le journaliste Josué Mutanava s’entretient avec Espoir Hamoni, défenseur des droits humains basé à Uvira, au Sud-Kivu, dans l’est de la RDC. Ils discutent de l’impact des rumeurs, fake news et manipulations de l’information sur les tensions communautaires, les déplacements de population et la sécurité, ainsi que sur le travail des défenseurs des droits humains. L’épisode a été enregistré en français par Soma Media Lab à Goma. La transcription en anglais est disponible dans la description de l’épisode, et la vidéo peut être regardée sur YouTube avec des sous-titres anglais. YouTube: https://bit.ly/4b8bxGW

What makes a workplace meaningful? Is it the salary? The office setup? The title on the door? Or is it something quieter? Something human?

In this episode of Troublemakers: Smoke Signals, we step into the everyday spaces where we spend so much of our lives. From the vibrant grounds of MS TCDC, home to the Samora Machel Studio where The Troublemakers is produced, to offices, clinics and creative corners beyond Arusha.

We asked a simple question:

What do you love most about your workplace?

The answers surprised us in their consistency.

Broader Reflections

At a time when burnout is normalised and productivity is worshipped, reclaiming joy and solidarity in our workplaces becomes radical.

The workplace is not separate from the struggle for dignity, justice, and collective wellbeing. It is one of the spaces where we practice it.

Licensing

Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Trouble Makers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox.

Resources & Show Links

Troublemakers Linktree: https://linktr.ee/troublemakers.podcast

How do movements shift people from neutrality or even opposition into active allies for justice struggles?

In this episode of the Troublemakers podcast, Monica hosts Sungu Oyoo, a writer, educator, activist, and Pan-Africanist. Sungu works with MWAMKO (Pan-African Popular Pedagogy Collective) as Director of Special Programs and Organisational Development and is also part of Kongamano Lamapinduzi, where he serves as National Spokesperson.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Society Is Not a Monolith

Drawing from Beautiful Trouble, particularly work by Joshua Kahn Russell, Sungu explains that effective organising requires mapping society into segments, allies, neutral groups, and opponents rather than speaking to a vague “public.”

1. Lessons from Kenya’s Cost of Living and Finance Bill Protests

Sungu traces organising evolution from earlier cost-of-living struggles to the 2024 mass protests, showing how:

• Early movements often “preached to the choir”
• Social media + grassroots organising created rapid mobilisation
• Strategic escalation shifted demands from policy rejection → systemic accountability

1. Strategic Escalation & The Domino Effect

A core organising insight:

Shift easier blocks first (neutrals → passive allies → active allies) rather than focusing energy on entrenched opponents.

Once one segment shifts, others often follow.

Licensing

Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Trouble Makers (the podcast).

It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox.

Resources & Show Links

Follow Sungu via social media (Sungu Oyoo)

Contact Mwamko Africa for book access and organising resources

Credits;

Host Monica Kamandau

Guest: Sungu Oyoo

Editor & Producer: Rodgers George

Music: Mwaduga Salum & Beautiful Trouble