Fresh news: A “dead city” day in Goma to demand the release of demonstrators arrested during an anti-Monusco protest
Today, Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was the scene of a “dead city” day organized by citizen movements and the group “Wazalendo”. This action aims to request the release of 143 civilians arrested during a demonstration which took place on August 30.
This demonstration, organized by the messianic sect Uwezo wa Neno/Wazalendo, was a protest against the presence of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (Monusco) and other Western organizations in the region. Unfortunately, this demonstration turned into a tragedy, with more than 40 people killed during a military intervention to disperse it.
Since this tragic event, investigations have been carried out by an interministerial commission and several military officials have been arrested and brought before the military courts. The Minister of Human Rights, Albert Fabrice Puela, condemned these events and promised severe sanctions.
Despite these actions, tension remains palpable in Goma. Today, motorcycle taxi drivers blocked the streets with stones, preventing all traffic in certain parts of the city. Only a few shops have timidly reopened their doors and public transport has partially resumed at the start of the afternoon.
The population of Goma remains awaiting answers and concrete actions from the authorities. This “dead city” day is a way for citizens to make their voices heard and to demand justice for those arrested during the demonstration.
It is essential that the authorities take effective measures to secure the release of the demonstrators and to avoid the escalation of violence in the region. The situation in Goma is worrying, and it is essential to involve local and international actors to find lasting solutions to this conflict.
We will closely follow the evolution of the situation in Goma and hope that positive measures will be taken to meet the demands of the citizens and restore peace in the region.