Fatshimetrie, June 25, 2024 (ACP).- The crucial question of the preservation of cemeteries as places of memory and contemplation raises a major concern in Kindu, capital of the province of Maniema, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A citizens’ initiative was recently created to combat acts of dispossession affecting the Shenge cemetery, in the commune of Mikelenge.
The legal proceedings initiated by this civic structure reflect a determination to protect the right to eternal rest of the deceased. Indeed, the desecration of graves and the destruction of burial sites represent a flagrant violation of the fundamental values of respect and dignity towards the deceased.
Yalu Ndarabu, president of the civil society Force Vive in the Mikelenge commune, firmly underlined the unacceptable nature of these actions. He recalled that the Shenge cemetery, located in the Tokolote district, is a public domain of the State intended for the eternal rest of ancestors and relatives. The absence of clear land regulations on this land reinforces the urgency of protecting the integrity of this place of memory.
Beyond the legal dimension, this case raises essential questions about respect for traditions and societal norms. Cemeteries hold deep symbolic importance in many cultures, embodying the connection between the living and the dead. Preserving these sacred spaces means preserving our history, our identity and our humanity.
The mobilization of civil society and local authorities is essential to guarantee the protection of cemeteries against any form of desecration. It is imperative that the competent judicial authorities take firm measures to sanction the perpetrators of these reprehensible acts and prevent any future attacks on these sacred resting places.
Finally, this case highlights the need for continued awareness-raising on the importance of respecting cemeteries as collective heritage. Each of us has a duty to protect these spaces of contemplation and to perpetuate the memory of past generations for generations to come.
In a constantly evolving world, where traditional values are sometimes threatened, the preservation of cemeteries appears to be a precious heritage to pass on to future generations. Citizen commitment to respect places of memory is an essential pillar in the construction of a society respectful of its past and concerned about its future. ACP/C.L.