The thorny issue of the use of the term “genocide” to describe crimes committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to divide and spark heated debate among experts in international criminal law, human rights defenders and civil society actors. In this episode of “It’s the tone that causes panic”, we dive into the heart of this controversy to reveal the fundamental issues.
Faced with the complexity of the situations of armed conflict and intercommunal violence which are rife in certain regions of the DRC, the use of the term “genocide” raises crucial questions about the precision of legal definitions and the impact of media discourse. Professor Pierrot Chambu, expert in international criminal law, highlights the need to rigorously distinguish the different types of international crimes, in order to guarantee justice adapted to the specific situations encountered on the ground.
However, despite calls for caution and nuance, certain political and media actors continue to use the term “genocide” in an overused manner, thus promoting confusion and verbal one-upmanship. Gloire Manessa, lawyer and spokesperson for the NGO Citizen Action against Hate Speech, warns against the risks of stigmatization and exploitation that arise from indiscriminate use of this vocabulary loaded with emotions and responsibilities.
Beyond semantic quarrels, the essential remains: recognize the suffering of victims, bring justice to the oppressed and work for the prevention of atrocities on a global scale. In this sense, the mobilization of the international community and the involvement of the Congolese authorities are essential to put an end to the cycles of violence that have been tearing the country apart for too long.
In conclusion, caution, rigor and responsibility must guide our thoughts and actions when it comes to discussing crimes and violence in the DRC. Beyond words, it is the concrete commitment to peace, justice and respect for human rights which constitutes the real priority to get the country out of the infernal spiral of violence and ‘impunity.