Saving lives should be a top priority and this also includes respect and dignity for the bodies of the deceased. Unfortunately, in the city of Goma, in North Kivu, the conditions for preserving the bodies of the victims of the demonstration on August 30 leave much to be desired. Civil society was outraged by the decomposition of the bodies and the nauseating odor emanating from the morgue.
According to Marion Ngavo, president of civil society in Goma, it is imperative to respect the sacredness of life and to quickly organize dignified burials for these victims. He also asked the authorities of the state of siege to take measures to ensure that such events do not occur again in the future.
Civil society in Goma is demanding justice for the victims of these massacres and demanding severe sanctions for the perpetrators of the repression. She also urges the government to compensate the families of the victims, to allow them to mourn in decent conditions.
Faced with this intolerable situation, civil society granted the authorities 48 hours to organize the burial and disinfection of the place where the bodies are kept. If no action is taken within this time frame, new protests could be organized to demand progress in the trial and appropriate sanctions.
At a Security Council meeting, the provincial government promised a “dignified” burial for this week. The authorities also called on the population to remain calm and not to give in to calls for demonstrations launched by certain citizen movements.
This sad situation in Goma is a reminder that human dignity must be preserved, even after death. It is essential that the authorities take their responsibilities and ensure the respect and dignity of the victims in order to allow families to mourn in respectful conditions.
It is crucial to bring such issues to light so that adequate action is taken and such incidents are not repeated in the future. Civil society has a vital role to play in defending citizens’ rights and in the fight against injustice. Let us hope that the demands of civil society in Goma will be heard and that the victims will be honored as they deserve.