Goma, a city devastated by the riots of August 30, is still in shock. While the peaceful demonstration for the return of peace turned into tragedy with more than 40 deaths, the population is now waiting for justice and concrete answers. A government delegation, made up of important personalities, was sent to the site to shed light on these tragic events.
Among the members of the Interministerial Commission, we find government heavyweights such as Peter Kazadi, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Security and Customary Affairs, Jean-Pierre Bemba, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense and Veterans Affairs, Albert Fabrice Puela, the Minister of Human Rights, and the Deputy Minister of Justice.
Since their arrival in Goma, the Commission has carried out several major hearings and interpellations. Military officials, such as Colonel Mike Mikombe, commander of the Brigade, and Commander Donat Bawili, commander of the 19th Regiment of the Republican Guard, were arrested and brought before military justice. A flagrant trial was opened at the Goma garrison military court to determine responsibility for this tragedy.
During the trial session, defense lawyers raised several objections, notably those concerning unconstitutionality, before requesting the provisional release of the soldiers alleged to have committed the heinous acts. The Interministerial Commission is doing everything possible to shed light on this complex matter.
At the heart of these events, the name of Constant Ndima, the Military Governor of North Kivu, stands out insistently. Recalled to Kinshasa for “consultation”, his role in these riots remains to be clarified.
The population of Goma impatiently awaits the results of this investigation and hopes that justice will be done for the victims. The trauma of that bloody day continues to haunt the city, but the population’s determination to fight insecurity and restore peace remains strong.
It is essential that these tragic events are not repeated and that concrete measures are taken to ensure the safety of the population and establish a climate of trust. Goma needs support and concrete actions to rebuild itself and move towards a better future.