Title: “9 years after the Beni massacres: the construction of a mausoleum in tribute to the victims”
Introduction :
The Beni region, located in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has for nine years been the scene of massacres perpetrated by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and their alleged links to the Islamic State. This year marks the 9th anniversary of these killings and the community of Beni has decided to erect a mausoleum in memory of the victims. This article reviews the context of the massacres, the construction of the mausoleum and the hopes of fighting against this violence.
The memory of the Beni massacres:
Since October 2, 2014, mass killings have taken place in the Beni region, causing fear and indignation within the national and international community. However, it was on October 15 of that same year that the town of Beni was the scene of the first massacre, causing 33 civilian victims. While the exact number of victims remains unknown, civil society organizations estimate that hundreds, if not thousands, lost their lives. These killings left a lasting mark on the region and left an open wound in the heart of the population.
The construction of a mausoleum in tribute to the victims:
Faced with the horror of the Beni massacres, the population decided to pay tribute to the victims by building a mausoleum. This monument aims to immortalize the 33 people killed during the first carnage in Beni and to serve as tangible evidence for international justice and investigations into these crimes. The victims’ graves have been set up in the Masiani public cemetery, thus providing a place of contemplation and memory for the families of the deceased.
The hope of a more effective fight against the ADF:
Since 2014, violence perpetrated by the ADF has spread to other regions, notably the territories of Mambasa and Irumu in Ituri province. Nevertheless, the advent of “Shuja” operations, carried out jointly by the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), brings a glimmer of hope in the fight against the ADF. These operations made it possible to significantly reduce the nuisance capacity of this armed group and resulted in the release of numerous hostages. The military authorities and the population welcome these efforts, while emphasizing the importance of continuing these operations in order to restore state authority.
Conclusion :
Nine years after the first massacres in Beni, the construction of a mausoleum in tribute to the victims is a strong symbol of resistance and memory. This article highlighted the tragedies experienced by the population of Beni, but also the hopes raised by the ongoing military operations to fight against the forces responsible for these killings.. The construction of the mausoleum provides a place of contemplation and commemoration, recalling the need to continue the quest for justice and peace in the Beni region.