[Vignette image of the demonstration of war victims in Kisangani on December 22]
In Kisangani, a demonstration by war victims degenerated last Friday, resulting in injuries, including some fractures, for around ten people. The demonstrators expressed their dissatisfaction with the delays in payment of their compensation and the new operation to identify victims.
The demonstration took place in front of the special compensation distribution office, FRIVAO, where victims denounced the lack of transparency in the process. Barricading the main road leading to the medical plateau and the University of Kisangani (UNIKIS), the demonstrators were confronted with the intervention of the police, who used tear gas and even fired live ammunition according to testimonies.
Dieudonné Katusi, president of the Association of Victims of the Kisangani Wars, expressed his frustration with the current situation of FRIVAO. He deplores the fact that people are registered as victims without the consent of representatives of war victims. In addition, he emphasizes that the compensation promised by FRIVAO before December 20 has not been paid. He therefore calls for the establishment of a new management committee to ensure the smooth running of the compensation process.
The FRIVAO management committee, for its part, affirms that the current operation aims to support war victims. However, protesters express distrust and demand more transparency and participation in the process.
This demonstration highlights the challenges faced by victims of wars in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many problems persist in the area of compensation and reparations, and it is essential to find lasting solutions to meet the needs of victims and ensure their rehabilitation.
[Call to action sentence / Conclusion] It is important to continue to raise awareness about the situation of war victims and to support efforts to improve their situation. The authorities must take concrete measures to ensure transparency, participation and respect for the rights of victims in the compensation process. Only a collective and collaborative approach will guarantee social justice and the rehabilitation of victims of war atrocities.