Title: The clashes in Goma: persistent tension between victims and residents of the neighborhood
Introduction :
The city of Goma, located in the province of North Kivu, was recently the scene of violent clashes which cost the lives of seven people, including two police officers. These clashes are the result of persistent tension between those affected by the 2002 volcanic eruption and the current occupants of the Mugunga district. In this article, we look back at the events that led to these clashes and analyze the underlying issues.
The trigger for tension:
Tension erupted when police tried to settle families affected by the 2002 volcanic eruption on a site that had been granted to them by provincial authorities. The residents of the Mugunga district, where this site is located, were taken by surprise by this operation of demarcating and measuring the plots supposedly belonging to them. Fearing being dislodged, they reacted violently by throwing stones at the police.
The resurgence of violence:
Faced with this escalation, the police responded by firing warning shots, which further increased the tension and plunged the neighborhood into confusion. Unfortunately, this resulted in the deaths of five civilians and two police officers, including a major. The municipal authorities and security services intervened quickly to calm the situation and remove the bodies.
A latent tension:
This tension between those affected by the 2002 volcanic eruption and the current occupants of the Mugunga district is far from new. Each party claims rights to the land in question, which fuels conflicts and rivalries. Neighborhood chief Mugunga calls for the intervention of the competent authorities to resolve the dispute between the two parties and find a peaceful solution.
Conclusion :
The clashes in Goma highlight the complexity of land issues and problems linked to disaster victims. In this context, it is essential that the authorities work towards the peaceful and fair resolution of these conflicts, in order to prevent new episodes of violence. The situation in Goma therefore raises questions about land management in the DRC and the need to find lasting solutions to ensure the security and well-being of the populations concerned.