On August 30, 2023, a tragic and deliberate attack by the Congolese Army against unarmed protesters in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, resulted in the deaths of at least 56 individuals. The protesters, organized by the religious group “Wazalendo” (also known as “Messiatha”), were demanding the withdrawal of the UN Mission for the Stabilization of the DRC (MONUSCO) and other foreign forces, accusing them of occupying the country against the will of its people.
Despite the provincial authorities banning the protest, members of Wazalendo gathered at a local church. In response, the army launched an attack, beginning with a raid on the Wazalendo radio station, where 12 individuals, including the group’s leader, were arbitrarily arrested. Soldiers tied up the detainees and opened fire on the protesters and bystanders, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
Eyewitness accounts describe a horrific scene, with soldiers pursuing victims into their homes and leaving dozens of dead bodies on the streets. The violence escalated rapidly, affecting women, children, and men alike, creating an atmosphere of terror and chaos.
The families of the victims continue to seek justice and accountability for the atrocities committed during this attack. International organisations have called for investigations into the actions of senior army officials, including Lieutenant General Constant Ndima Kongba and Colonel Mike Kalamba Mikombe, for their potential involvement in crimes against humanity. The lack of meaningful progress towards accountability for human rights violations in the DRC has perpetuated a cycle of violence and impunity.
This case highlights the urgent need for international attention and action to protect human rights and uphold the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As Rightsdefenders, we urge the Democratic Republic of Congo to conform to international human rights regulations and to take immediate action to bring justice to the victims and their families. It is essential to end the years of impunity that have allowed such violence to occur and to ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are held accountable. The victims deserve dignity, justice, and a commitment to preventing future atrocities in the DRC.
References: