The violent protests that broke out in Goma on August 30, 2023 plunged the city into chaos. A group called “Wazalendo” organized the protest against the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in Congo (MONUSCO), accusing the latter of neglecting the local population. The demonstrations quickly turned into violent clashes between Congolese security forces and demonstrators, leaving at least eight dead and around twenty injured.
The tension was palpable from the early hours of the morning in Goma. The demonstrators, mostly from disadvantaged neighborhoods, expressed their discontent with what they perceived as a lack of action by MONUSCO to protect civilians from the persistent violence in the region. Security forces used gunfire and tear gas to disperse the crowds, leading to an influx of injured people into local churches and hospitals.
MONUSCO, which has more than 20,000 soldiers deployed in the DRC, has been heavily criticized in recent months for its supposed lack of effectiveness in protecting civilians. Despite its peacekeeping mandate, armed groups continue to sow terror in many parts of the country, and residents say the UN mission is not doing enough to protect them.
The “Wazalendo” group affirms that MONUSCO is not fulfilling its role and calls for its departure if it is not able to guarantee the security of the population. This demonstration was intended to draw attention to this issue, but it quickly degenerated into uncontrolled violence.
The city’s mayor declared the demonstration illegal and called on Goma residents to remain calm and not give in to violence. Local authorities have reinforced security forces to maintain order and avoid further clashes.
These demonstrations underline the deep concerns of the population in the face of persistent insecurity in the Goma region. It is crucial that measures are taken to protect civilians and ensure their security. MONUSCO and the Congolese authorities must find effective solutions to end the violence and restore peace in the region. Let us hope that these tragic events serve as a catalyst for concrete actions and a real commitment to the protection of civilians in the DRC.