“Kisangani: War victims finally compensated, a step towards justice and reconstruction”

The tragic events which took place in Kisangani in June 2000 during the six-day war between the Ugandan and Rwandan armies continue to mark the memory of the inhabitants of the Tshopo province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. But today, a glimmer of hope is emerging for the victims of this murderous war.

Indeed, the Special Reparations Fund for Compensation to Victims of Illicit Activities of Uganda (FRIVAO) recently announced the start of payment of compensation to victims of the Kisangani war. After careful investigations, 114 victims were identified and certified and opened accounts with a local bank responsible for paying compensation.

According to François Mwarabu Ngalema, the national coordinator of FRIVAO, this first wave of payment will be followed by others in the years to come. Indeed, the compensation payment process will extend over five years, thus allowing all victims to receive the compensation to which they are entitled.

But this repair effort does not stop only at the financial aspect. The FRIVAO also provides for the construction of works of public utility aimed at perpetuating the memory of the victims of this traumatic war. A way to pay tribute to the victims while contributing to the development of the region.

This reparations initiative aims to provide some relief to victims of the Kisangani war and offer them a means to rebuild their lives. It also testifies to the efforts of the Congolese government to deal with the consequences of the conflicts and illicit activities which shook the country.

Paying compensation is an important step in the process of reconstruction and reparation for victims of the Kisangani war. However, it is essential to continue to raise awareness of the trauma and challenges these victims face, in order to be able to provide them with long-term support.

In conclusion, the payment of compensation to victims of the Kisangani war marks a step forward in recognition of the suffering endured by these people. This is an important initiative which demonstrates the desire for justice and reparation on the part of the Congolese authorities. Hopefully this action can pave the way for other forms of support and reconstruction for victims of similar conflicts around the world.