Today marks the 21st anniversary of a sad event that happened in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo. On May 14, 2002, the Boyome people, inhabitants of the city, suffered a nightmarish day, when popular demonstrations against the foreign occupation of their soil by the army of the RCD supported by Rwanda were violently repressed.
The tragic event was marked by systematic robberies, looting, killings and other forms of attacks on civilians, leaving traumas in survivors that endure to this day. Several young people, some in possession of firearms made available to them by the RCD, were called upon to join the mutineers, who burst onto the official radio to demand the mobilization of the population of all the six communes of Kisangani in order to to drive the Rwandans out of the city.
On their way, the situation quickly degenerated, and unimaginable acts of violence took place, such as stonings or self-immolations. The authorities were slow to respond to calls from the mutineers, leaving them to engage in barbaric acts.
Today, the city of Kisangani remains bereaved by this tragic event and continues to fight for peace and justice. Other issues, such as the deadly flood in the South Kivu region, growing insecurity in Kwango province, terrorism and looting in DR Congo continue to threaten the safety and well-being of the population. .
However, there are signs of hope. The Congolese government is taking steps to strengthen security and regain control of the affected regions, such as the deployment of the SADC force in North Kivu province. The DRC also continues to publicly denounce international mining fraud and to call for responsible mining.
Finally, on this day of remembrance, we must remember the tragic events and work together to promote peace and justice in DR Congo and around the world.