The affair which shook the Democratic Republic of Congo on August 30 is now taking a legal turn. Indeed, the trial of six soldiers from the Congolese Republican Guard, accused of violently repressing an anti-UN demonstration in Goma, recently ended. The conclusions of the trial, delivered Monday October 2, show one soldier sentenced to death, three others sentenced to ten years in prison, while two were acquitted.
However, it should be noted that the death penalty is rarely applied in DR Congo and is generally commuted to life imprisonment. So, although the death sentence is a harsh decision, it is unlikely to be carried out. The lawyers of the convicts have also announced their intention to appeal the decision.
This trial, which lasted since September 5, shed light on the tragic events that occurred during the anti-UN demonstration in Goma. More than 50 people lost their lives during this violent repression led by soldiers of the Republican Guard. The accused were prosecuted for their responsibility in these murderous acts.
The exact circumstances of the repression, however, remain unclear. The government initially claimed that the military had acted in retaliation for the lynching of a police officer by protesters. However, testimonies have called this version of events into question, saying that the operation was launched before the police officer’s death. In addition, negotiations were underway between the military and the demonstrators at the time when the gunfire broke out, suggesting a deliberate act.
At the center of the trial is Colonel Mikombe, considered the main accused. Witnesses said the order to shoot came from him, but he claimed to have been misled by an “operational order” that presented him as a threat to the security of the region. He also asked that the military governor of North Kivu be heard by the court in order to clarify responsibilities.
Ultimately, this trial opens a path to justice for victims of repression in Goma. It is essential that all those involved in the violence are held accountable for their actions. However, there are still gray areas that need to be clarified in order to fully understand the tragic events of that fateful day.
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