Victims of the defunct Coopec Imara in Bukavu organized a demonstration in front of the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) to demand reimbursement of 12,500,000 USD. This cooperative was dissolved 10 years ago and the victims decided to take matters into their own hands to obtain justice.
The demonstration, which took place on Tuesday October 31, took place on the sidelines of World Savings Day. The demonstrators expressed their dissatisfaction with the management of the cooperative by the BCC. According to them, the bank should have been aware of the cooperative’s critical situation and should have prevented members from investing their money there. They accuse the BCC of complacency and inaction.
Among the protesters was an honorary National MP, who expressed frustration at the lack of solutions provided so far. He highlights the importance of this election year to make their voices heard and obtain redress.
In response to the demonstrators, the provincial director of the BCC promised to transmit their demands to his hierarchy. He also wanted to emphasize that the bank had not stolen their money and that there was a need to respect each other in discussions.
The protesters announced that they would return once a week until the BCC found a solution to their demands.
This event recalls the importance for consumers to remain vigilant in the management of their savings and to make their voice heard in the event of injustice. The Coopec Imara cooperative in Bukavu is a sad example of the harmful consequences of financial mismanagement, and it is essential to ensure that such scandals are not repeated in the future.
The Coopec Imara affair also raises questions about the responsibility of financial institutions and their role in protecting savers. It is essential to strengthen control and surveillance mechanisms in order to avoid such financial tragedies.
In conclusion, this demonstration by the victims of Coopec Imara highlights the importance for consumers to be vigilant and defend their rights in the event of financial injustice. It is necessary for financial institutions to take responsibility and put measures in place to avoid such scandals in the future.