Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, was recently the scene of a youth protest. The collective of citizen movements, the Urban Youth Council and other social forces took part in this mobilization to express their disagreement with the presence of the EAC (East African Intervention Force) troops. ) on Congolese soil.
According to the youth of Goma, this regional force is considered useless and even counterproductive in the Congolese context. Protesters claim that the EAC is blocking the action of self-defense groups on the front line, thus playing into the enemy’s game. They therefore demand the departure of the EAC and grant a 7-day ultimatum to this regional force to take action.
The declaration of the youth of Goma underlines the importance of the awareness and responsibility of the Congolese to establish peace in their country. They assert that neither the West nor the East can bring peace, but that only by acting together as a nation can they save their homeland.
The demonstration in Goma began with a few incidents, with the dispersal of demonstrators and the temporary arrest of two activists. However, thanks to the intervention of Colonel Job Alisa, tensions were eased and the demonstrators were able to be controlled.
This mobilization of the youth of Goma highlights the desire of young Congolese to take charge of their future and to be actively involved in building a peaceful and prosperous country. Their request to leave the EAC shows their conviction that the restoration of peace must above all come from within the country.
It remains to be seen how the EAC will react to this ultimatum and what next actions the youth of Goma will take if their demands are not met. One thing is certain, Congolese youth are determined to obtain the withdrawal of the regional force and will spare no effort to defend their homeland.
The commitment and determination of the youth of Goma are promising signs for the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Let us hope that their demands will be heard and that peaceful solutions can be found to guarantee the stability and development of the country.