Title: Protests in Goma shake the city and raise demands
Introduction :
The city of Goma, capital of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has recently been the scene of tense protests. These demonstrations were organized by the organization “La Foi Naturelle Judaaïque Messianique vers les Nations (FNJMN) / Agano La Uwezo Wa Neno/Wazalendo”, which demanded the independence of the Congo and Africa, as well as the departure of the MONUSCO. Despite the formal ban by the city’s Mayor, the demonstrators disrupted traffic and economic activity in the city. Let’s take a closer look at these events and the demands of the organizers.
The context of the demonstrations:
Tension erupted in the streets of Goma on the morning of August 30. The protests were organized by the FNJMN organization, led by Ephraim Bisimwa. The latter, influenced by his church in Katindo, called for a vast mobilization to demand the independence of Congo and Africa, as well as the departure of MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission present In the region. Despite the ban on the demonstration by the Mayor of Goma, supporters of the organization continued their protest actions.
Claims and criticisms against MONUSCO:
The members of the FNJMN consider themselves the heirs of Patrice Lumumba’s fight and accuse MONUSCO of inaction in the face of the massacres which have bereaved the east of the country for decades. They believe that MONUSCO has failed to guarantee stability and security in the region and are calling for its departure. Their mobilization also aims to draw attention to the numerous socio-economic problems that the population faces.
The reaction of the authorities:
Faced with this mobilization, the Mayor of Goma, Senior Superintendent Kapend Kamand Faustin, reminded Ephraim Bisimwa of the lack of legitimacy of his movement to organize such a demonstration in the city. Despite this, the authorities had to deal with demonstrations which hampered traffic and disrupted economic activity in the city. The police intervened to disperse the demonstrators, but some violent incidents were deplored.
Conclusion :
The protests in Goma highlighted the demands of the FNJMN organization and revealed palpable tension in the city. Despite the authorities’ ban, the organization’s followers expressed their discontent and their demands. This situation highlights the importance of finding lasting solutions to the challenges facing the region, and highlights the need for constructive dialogue between different stakeholders to achieve real peace and stability in Eastern Congo. .