The day of September 18, 2023 was marked by demonstrations and a particularly tense moment in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Local authorities have decided to bury the 57 people who died three weeks ago during a violent crackdown. However, this decision was taken against the wishes of the victims’ families who wanted the funeral to be postponed in order to be able to identify the bodies.
In African culture, funerals are a moment of complicity between the living and the dead, a final farewell marked with dignity and respect. Thus, the choice of the authorities to carry out the burial without the agreement of the families is perceived as an act of contempt and disrepute.
Faced with this unilateral decision, demonstrations and barricades broke out in several districts of the city. The families of the victims expressed their anger and indignation at this violation of their right to decide the final resting place of their loved ones.
The Deputy Prime Minister of the Interior went to Goma to try to find a consensus with the families. However, the discussions did not lead to an agreement, and the burial took place in the absence of family members. This gesture reinforced the feeling of revolt and contempt felt by the relatives of the victims.
The Minister of the Interior justified the haste of the burial by citing health risks. However, this explanation has not convinced the population who instead see this decision as an attempt to hide the seriousness of the repression and to ignore the rights of the affected families.
This tragic event in Goma highlights ongoing tensions and governance issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It also underlines the importance of respecting the rights of bereaved families and allowing dignified and appropriate mourning for victims of repression.
It is essential that the authorities take into account the demands of families and work to establish a constructive dialogue in order to find a solution acceptable to all. Respect for human rights and justice must be at the heart of any action taken to restore confidence and stability in the Goma region and throughout the country.
The unilateral burial of victims of repression in Goma only reinforces the divisions and tensions already present. It is imperative to put in place reconciliation mechanisms and guarantee impunity for those responsible for these acts of violence. Only an approach respectful of human rights and justice can contribute to true stability and lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.