Fatshimetry
April 10, 2024 will be marked by an unexpected decision by the mayor of the city of Goma, located in the province of North Kivu. Indeed, the mayor took the decision to prohibit any gathering of Muslims in public places, in particular at the Unity Stadium, on the occasion of the celebration of the closing of the holy month of Ramandan. This decision, motivated by security reasons, sparked strong reactions within the region’s Muslim community.
The Principal High Commissioner Faustin Kapend Kamanda published an official press release to announce this unprecedented measure. The latter specifies that the closing prayer of the month of Ramadan cannot take place at the stadium, but must be carried out in the city’s mosques. The police have been instructed to guarantee compliance with this instruction, which aims above all to ensure the safety of citizens.
Traditionally, the Muslim faithful of Goma gathered each year at the Unity Stadium to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The festival of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the fast, was an opportunity for the community to come together in a spirit of brotherhood and sharing. The decision to move this event to mosques risks upsetting this centuries-old tradition and dividing members of the community.
This ban also raises questions about the underlying motivations which pushed local authorities to take such a measure. While the month of Ramadan is synonymous with meditation, solidarity and piety for Muslims around the world, this decision could be interpreted as an attack on freedom of worship and assembly.
In this period when living together is more crucial than ever, it is essential to seek consensual solutions that allow everyone to practice their faith with respect and tolerance. Let us hope that constructive dialogues can open between local authorities and representatives of the Muslim community in order to find common ground and preserve the social fabric of the city of Goma.
In conclusion, the decision to prohibit the gathering of Muslims at the Unity Stadium on the occasion of the end of Ramadan in Goma reveals the tensions that can sometimes emerge between security imperatives and fundamental freedoms. It is now up to the stakeholders concerned to work together to guarantee a fair balance that respects everyone’s rights.