"Kinshasa has illuminated its streets and parks with vibrant lights and festive displays, ushering in the holiday season as the DRC rolls out its 'Christmas in Our Communities' program. Footage from Wednesday evening captures Christmas and New Year decorations in full display, with bright lights illuminating the streets as festive LED sculptures and signs fill Joy Park. Streets are seen bustling with traffic as families stroll past decorations near La Fontaine mall, capturing memories in front of cheerful signs wishing 'Joyeux Noel' and welcoming the New Year. "We celebrate Christmas, the day of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. For us Christians, we spend it together with our brothers and sisters in eastern DRC," said one local, Baker Bay Lorev. "Despite the security situation, the population of Kinshasa has not gone out because we are reflecting on this moment together with our brothers in the east of the country. Merry Christmas to you all and Happy New Year," he continued. This holiday season comes amid continued fighting in eastern DRC. Years of fighting between government forces and the M23 movement have displaced millions and destabilised large parts of eastern DRC. The conflict escalated this year, with M23 seizing the main cities of Goma and Bukavu. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the militant group - allegations Rwanda firmly denies."