2023-09-08 14:35:00
KINSHASA – While the city of Goma continues to mourn its inhabitants massacred on August 30, 2023 by the Congolese army, the people of Kinshasa grouped together in the ‘Pona Congo’ network organized a day of commemoration this Thursday, September 7, 23 to express their sympathy towards their compatriots in the East and pay vibrant tribute to the victims of the recent carnage.
It all started with a peaceful march, accompanied by songs from the headquarters of Pona Congo to the old Place des Evolués; the participants came together as one to denounce the killing among the followers of the mystical-religious sect Wazalendo.
Young people from the citizen movements first returned to the situation prevailing in Goma and in other parts of the province of North Kivu during the state of siege. Since its establishment, this state of siege has not borne much fruit. Once again, we demanded the lifting of this measure and the departure of the UN Mission (Monusco) and the troops of the East African Community (EAC). The demonstrators want justice to come quickly for the city of Goma, underlining their position with the slogan ‘Never again’.
Leaders and politicians, coming from different districts of Kinshasa and other provinces of the country, marched on the Place du Genocost to testify and denounce the carnage that took place under the helpless eye of the provincial authority of North- Kivu. Paulin Munyagala, a young journalist and peace activist in the Eastern region, also gave his testimony. The violence claimed victims in several families in Goma. A journalist was killed while preparing for her show with guests on a local radio station.
“I am happy to see how you mourn with us the people of Goma who have suffered for a long time following the various wars that we are experiencing at home. I myself am an indirect victim since my father-in-law was shot at point blank range; fortunately he is not dead. A young journalist, whom I knew, was killed. A talented woman! I ask that this does not happen again and that justice be done for Goma,” declared Mr. Munyagala in front of thousands of people from Kinshasa.
The opponent Martin Fayulu (Lamuka) was also present. For him it is unacceptable that citizens are killed by their own army while they simply want to express their anger without being armed. According to Mr. Fayulu, the Congolese state should play its role and follow what the population demands because the EAC and Monusco have all failed their mission in the DRC.
Since the resurgence in 2022 of the M23 rebellion, which occupies certain areas of North Kivu, the civilian populations have shown themselves to be increasingly hostile towards MONUSCO agents and the troops of the EAC sub-regional force. They accuse them of collaborating with the insurgents rather than ensuring their protection.
© CongoForum – editorial, 08.09.23
Images – source: Congolese press
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