The commune of Mulekera, in the heart of Beni, was the scene of a new act of popular justice this weekend. A street couple were dragged from their home by a group of unknown youths, who stoned them to death. The woman died, while her husband is in critical condition. While the young people claimed to act because of an accusation of witchcraft, no one has brought the slightest proof of the alleged facts.
The youth president of Butsili neighborhood, who condemned the act of mob justice, called for vigilance and caution. In the city of Beni, cases of mob justice are increasing, the victims are often people wrongly accused and who lose their lives.
The DRC is one of the few countries to allow this form of human rights violation. The authorities are often overwhelmed by this phenomenon, which remains recurrent despite awareness campaigns and demonstrations by civil society.
Faced with a worrying situation, many voices are being raised to denounce this practice which violates the right to life and threatens the safety of citizens. The authorities are called upon to take urgent measures to prevent and repress these acts of mob justice which are ravaging the country and plunging families into mourning.
Faced with this situation, the authorities and civil society must not give up. The fight against popular justice must be a priority, so that the lives of the Congolese are no longer sacrificed on the altar of fear and superstition