By Grace Chigbu
Her Royal Majesty Queen Diambi Kabatusuila Tshiyoyo Muata, traditional monarch of the Bakwa Luntu people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has called for stronger backing of the Fifth Elders and Women Intercultural Dialogue taking place in Accra from the 29th to the 1st of August 2025 on the theme Born Free- Exploring the Political, Social Economic and Cultural Intricacies Sponsoring Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling in today’s Africa.
The event is organized by the All Africa Media Network (AAMN) SHEROES International Sisterhood and Global Africans Against Slavery. The event is organized by the All Africa Media Network (AAMN) and the Council of African Elders and Women Intercultural Dialogue (AEWID).
Her progressive endorsement comes via a letter dated June 20, 2005, circulated shortly after its release. In it, she commended the organisers for their persistent efforts to address human trafficking and gender-based violence, noting their role in driving cultural renewal, legal reform, and pan-African action.
“I am consistently impressed by their dedication to creating a safer and more equitable society for African women and girls,” Queen Diambi wrote.
Crowned in August 2017, Queen Diambi carries the title Mukalenga Mukaji wa Nkashama wa Bakwa Luntu wa Baluba wa Kasaï wa Congo, meaning Woman King of the Order of the Leopard. Born in Belgium to a Belgian mother and Congolese diplomat father, she grew up in Kinshasa, later earning a BA in business finance and economics from the College of Staten Island (valedictorian, 1992), an MA in psychology and mental health counseling from Lynn University, and a doctorate in public administration from Adam Smith University.
Her humanitarian work includes founding the Elikia Hope Foundation, which has built clean water wells, provided medical and educational facilities, and offered vocational support to more than 40,000 homeless children in Kinshasa. Her foundation also supports environmental protection, rural development, and cultural preservation.
As a public speaker, she has appeared at global forums such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, the University of Exeter on plastic pollution, and the Oxford Union. She emphasizes restoration of identity and promoting culturally relevant development models.
“Their work serves as a beacon of hope for a brighter future for African women and girls, and deserves our every support” she added, underlining her belief that strong partnerships are central to creating long-lasting change.
Queen Diambi also holds honorary royal titles in Brazil and Panama, representing the African diaspora across continents. Her global influence extends through roles in international councils and boards, including environmental advocacy, indigenous forums, and climate action initiatives
Her letter adds moral and cultural authority to the dialogue, expected to bring together elders, traditional leaders, women’s groups, and policy advocates to shape concrete plans aimed at stopping trafficking, smuggling, and gender violence.
Queen Diambi’s call highlights a broader Pan‑African movement committed to dignity, justice, and women’s rights. Her leadership, rooted in tradition and guided by education and compassion, underscores the potential of African-led solutions grounded in heritage, unity, and indigenous wisdom.
As the Fifth Elders and Women Intercultural Dialogue convenes, Queen Diambi’s message will resonate as both a challenge and an inspiration: a call for action that starts with support—and solidarity—across Africa.
The Africa Elders and Women Intercultural Dialogue enjoys collaborations and participation of African Women Development Fund (AWDF) UNWomen Nigeria, UNESCO Ghana, Institute of Economic Affairs Ghana, Obaapa Development Foundation, Office of the Vice President and Ministry of Gender of Gambia, Office of the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, West Africa Women Association an aegis of ECOWAS, Diaspora Office of the President Ghana, as well as featuring as parallel event of the UNCSW65 and 67 in partnership with Global Africa SHEROES Union
