The trial of officers of the Republican Guard in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues, and new testimonies shed light on the tragic events that took place during the repression of demonstrators from the Wazalendo sect.
During the recent hearing, two key witnesses were questioned by the Military Court. Colonel Yves Rubenga, commander of the headquarters of the 34th military region, declared unequivocally that it was elements of the Republican Guard who opened fire on the suspected followers of the sect. He also mentioned that the order to shoot the protesters came from Colonel Mike Mikombe.
A second witness, Colonel Faustin Kapen, interim mayor of Goma, was questioned about comments he allegedly made when he was at the sect’s temple. A video circulating on social media shows him saying in Lingala: “Oyo Church, eza ya kopanza,” which translates into French as “We need to relocate this church.” This statement raised questions about Kapen’s intentions towards the sect.
However, during his hearing, the interim mayor of Goma appeared hesitant when asked who had fired into the crowd. He did not give a clear answer, simply stating that elements of the Republican Guard were present in the Nyabushongo region that day.
These new testimonies highlight the alleged responsibility of officers of the Republican Guard in the acts of violence which cost the lives of 51 people during the repression of the demonstrations. The two witnesses are being prosecuted for crimes against humanity by murder.
These revelations are fueling media attention and raising questions about how the Congolese authorities are handling this affair. The fight for justice and truth for the victims of this repression continues, and the trial of the Republican Guard officers plays a crucial role in this process.
It is important to emphasize that this information is based on testimony heard at the hearing, and that any definitive conclusions should be awaited until all evidence has been reviewed and the final verdict is rendered. The case therefore remains ongoing, and the world eagerly awaits to know the truth about these tragic events in the Democratic Republic of Congo.