The incident that occurred this Sunday, February 18 in the Lac Vert district of Goma caused excitement and confusion. A violent fight broke out between FARDC soldiers and local fighters called Wazalendo, leading to the death of five people, including two Wazalendo and three Congolese soldiers. This tragic event also left numerous civilians present at the scene injured.
Dedesi Mitima, head of the Lac Vert district, said he was deeply worried about this situation. The reasons for this confrontation remain unclear, and the escalation of violence between these two factions is of great concern to the local community. It is urgent to understand the causes of these recurring clashes in order to avoid new tragedies.
Lieutenant General Fall Sikabwe, coordinator of operations in North Kivu, stressed that the Wazalendo are part of the armed reserve for the defense of the Republic, but it is imperative to identify those responsible for these acts of violence. A reflection on sustainable and long-term solutions must be initiated in collaboration with local authorities and competent bodies.
It is crucial to prevent such tragedies in the future and to work together to establish a climate of peace and security in the region. The population of Goma deserves to live in a peaceful environment, far from the deadly clashes currently tearing apart the Lac Vert district.