Title: Dead city day in Goma: unauthorized demonstration provokes reaction from the mayor
Introduction :
On Wednesday September 13, citizen movements planned to organize a ghost town day in Goma in memory of the victims of August 30. However, the city mayor, Senior Superintendent Kapend Kamand Faustin, reacted by saying that the protest was not authorized. In a public communication, he called on the inhabitants of Goma to freely go about their business. This decision provoked reactions and raised questions about the right to peaceful demonstration and the desire of the authorities to shed light on the events of August 30.
Refusal of authorization:
The mayor of Goma justified his decision by declaring that the public authorities are committed to establishing the criminal responsibility of all those involved in the events of August 30. According to him, organizing a demonstration at this precise moment can only be the work of the enemy seeking to disrupt investigations and sow chaos in the city. He also warned against any attempt to barricade the roads and asked the security services to ensure respect for public roads.
The reaction of citizen movements:
Citizen movements, which planned this ghost town day to commemorate the victims of August 30, expressed their disagreement with the mayor’s decision. They say their intention is to pay tribute to the victims and seek justice for the acts of violence perpetrated during the suppression of the previous demonstration. According to them, this day of peaceful mobilization is a way to remember the importance of freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest.
The issues of the situation:
The decision by the mayor of Goma to refuse authorization for the demonstration raises questions about respect for the right to freedom of expression and peaceful demonstration. Some criticize that authorities seek to stifle citizens’ voices and obstruct demands for justice. Others believe it is important to allow investigations into the events of August 30 to proceed independently and without disruption, in order to ensure the transparency and legitimacy of the results.
Conclusion :
The demonstration planned for September 13 in Goma in memory of the victims of August 30 will not be authorized, according to the decision of the city mayor. This decision sparked reactions and debates on the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest. While citizen movements emphasize their intention to pay tribute to the victims and seek justice, authorities emphasize the need for independent investigations to establish criminal responsibility. The conflict between these positions raises questions about fundamental rights and the search for truth in a context of tensions and uncertainties.