The trial of civilians arrested in Goma on August 30 during the carnage committed by soldiers of the Republican Guard recently delivered its verdict. Unfortunately, the judgment left many people in Congo disappointed and outraged, including Espoir Ngalukiye, an executive with the Ensemble pour la République political party and national deputy candidate in Goma.
According to Ngalukiye, this verdict does not meet the expectations of the population. Instead of condemning the real guilty, he unjustly condemns the innocent. In a statement, he expressed his bitterness and anger at the injustice of this situation. He deplores the fact that the victims of crimes are treated like the executioners and evokes a reversal of the trend. He also highlights the fact that those responsible for this operation, including Governor Constat Ndima, have not been convicted.
Of the 115 defendants, the North Kivu military court convicted 63 people and acquitted 52 others. Among the condemned is Pastor Ephraim Bisimwa of the Messianic Authentic Natural Faith Church towards the Nations, who was sentenced to the death penalty for participation in an insurrectional movement, criminal association and murder. Bisimwa announced his intention to appeal this decision.
Espoir Ngalukiye and other political actors and activists continue to demand the release of the victims and hope that the lawyers will be able to appeal this judgment which they consider unjust.
This case raises many questions about the impartiality and fairness of the Congolese judicial system. Convicting the innocent instead of the real culprits only reinforces the feeling of injustice and impunity that reigns in the country.
It is crucial that justice is delivered fairly and equitably, and that those responsible for violence and crimes are brought to justice. The Congolese population deserves to live in a country where justice prevails and where each individual is treated with fairness and respect.
Espoir Ngalukiye and other human rights defenders will continue to fight for the truth to come out and justice for victims. Their fight for justice and accountability is essential to building a better and fairer Congo for all.