Seven dead, including a policeman, and a dozen wounded by bullets. This is the sad result of a day marked by violence in the Ndosho and Kyeshero districts of the city of Goma. The victims are part of the “The Authentic Natural Messianic Faith to the Nations” (FNAMN) sect, also known as “Wazalendo”.
The sect, led by Pastor Ephraim Bisimwa, had planned a demonstration in front of the base of MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo), but the security forces quickly reacted to suppress this demonstration. The police and the armed forces were in position as of 4 am in front of the installations of the sect.
The violence also affected a radio host belonging to the sect, who lost her life in the clashes. The shots were heard in the neighborhoods of Ndosho and Nyabushongo, where there are important bases of the sect. A journalist was even arrested by the security forces before being released.
The situation remains tense around the various MONUSCO bases in Goma, but traffic in the city is disrupted. Tensions also led to the burning of the Wazalendo temple in Nyabushongo, as well as some nearby houses.
This violent confrontation between the sect and the security forces raises many questions about the management of the situation and the rising tensions in the region. The situation remains to be closely monitored