The Congolese genocide: A commemoration so as not to forget
August 2, 2023 will remain engraved in the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the day of commemoration of the Congolese genocide (GENOCOS). This initiative, launched by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, aims to pay tribute to the millions of Congolese men and women who lost their lives in acts of barbarity and indescribable cruelty.
In his speech, President Tshisekedi stressed that this genocide was orchestrated by certain foreign powers motivated by their obsession with illegally exploiting the DRC’s natural resources. He also recalled the importance of this date, which joins that of January 4 dedicated to the martyrs of Congolese independence.
GENOCOS is above all the recognition of the Congolese genocide for economic gains. This campaign, led by the Congolese Action Youth Platform (CAYP), aims to raise awareness of the economic nature of this genocide and to request official recognition of the date of August 2 as a day of commemoration in memory of the victims.
The Congolese genocide must not be forgotten. It represents a human tragedy of unimaginable magnitude, marked by extreme violence and attacks on fundamental rights. It is also a reminder of the urgency of protecting the DRC’s natural resources and fighting against illegal exploitation which fuels conflicts and perpetuates this violence.
The commemoration of GENOCOS is an opportunity to remember, but also to mobilize. It is crucial to make the voices of victims heard, support justice initiatives and promote peace in the DRC. Only by recognizing and confronting the past can we build a better future for future generations.
By paying tribute to the victims of the Congolese genocide, we honor their memory and reaffirm our commitment not to forget. It is by recognizing the suffering of the past that we can work together for a more just and peaceful future for the Congo.
The Congolese genocide must serve as a lesson to prevent such atrocities from happening again. It is time to realize the importance of protecting human rights and preserving natural resources to build a better world, where human dignity is respected and where genocides are definitely a thing of the past.