The festival has the theme “La littérature pour penser et se construire” (Literature for Thinking and Self-Development), and aims to foster a love of literature and improve access to books for young people in Mbandaka and surrounding areas.

The 3rd Festival du Livre et de l’Oralité de Mbandaka (FELIOMBA) took place in Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of Congo, on 15–16 February 2025.

What follows summarises a report in Afrilivresque (OP in French).

Founded by author Stéphanie Boale Monfrey, the festival, with the theme “La littérature pour penser et se construire” (Literature for Thinking and Self-Development), aims to foster a love of literature and improve access to books for young people in Mbandaka and surrounding areas.

Boale Monfrey, a long-time advocate for literacy, has spearheaded initiatives such as establishing a public library to make reading more accessible.

The 2025 festival was supported by key partners, including the Association pour la Promotion de la Francophonie en Flandre (APFF), Richelieu International Europe, and BOKOLISI asbl.

A Growing Platform for Literature and Oral Traditions

Since its launch in February 2023, FELIOMBA has become a cornerstone event for literature and oral storytelling in Mbandaka. The inaugural festival, themed “La littérature, un levier de développement” (Literature as a Tool for Development), highlighted the transformative power of reading for young people. Over the years, the event has grown in structure, reach, and impact, solidifying its reputation as a key cultural initiative.

Mbandaka, on the Congo River in the capital of Équateur Province, is a cultural and economic hub in the DRC, with a population of 470,000.

Stéphanie Boale Monfrey: A Literary Advocate

Born in Mbandaka, Stéphanie Boale Monfrey is a prominent figure in Congolese literature, but many in the industry will know of her work outside the continent.

Now based in Brussels, she continues to champion Francophone and Lingala literature through BUKU, a cultural space dedicated to books in Belgium and the DRC.

Boale Monfrey’s commitment to literacy and oral storytelling is evident in her practical initiatives, with FELIOMBA being a prime example.

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.