Today’s news brings us to Goma, a city in the North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Residents witnessed a nightmarish morning yesterday when members of a mystical-religious sect called “Wazalendo” stormed the city’s streets for an unauthorized march. These followers demanded the departure of MONUSCO, the EAC Regional Force and all Westerners with their NGOs.
Faced with this situation, the police had to intervene to enforce the law and restore public order. Unfortunately, this intervention led to loss of life and damage, with a police officer stoned to death, several injured among the armed forces and six deaths among the followers of the sect.
This demonstration and its tragic consequences echo a broader trend, that of certain groups seeking to sow chaos in the country. According to analysts, these violent acts aim to create unrest in order to disrupt the ongoing electoral process and push those in power to sin. In the past, similar scenarios have been attempted, with demonstrations, marches or even the use of militias, with the aim of obtaining political dialogue and postponing elections.
However, despite these attempts, the power in place has been able to face security challenges and maintain the democratic course. Those responsible for these acts seek to disrupt the ongoing electoral process, but their argument seems empty, because the withdrawal of MONUSCO and the regional EAC force has already been achieved. It is therefore necessary to understand these demonstrations as an instrumentalization of civil organizations or citizen movements, which have already revealed themselves to be disguised political actors.
This reality is part of a broader context of tensions and protests in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Political issues, the quest for power and geopolitical interests can lead to violent actions and manipulation, thus increasing the risks for the stability of the country.
Faced with this situation, it is essential to remain vigilant and support the democratic process underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Free, transparent and fair elections are a crucial aspect of securing the future of the country and allowing its citizens to choose their leaders in a legitimate and democratic manner.