GENOCOST Commemoration in the DRC 2024: Prime Minister Judith Suminwa’s Advocacy for an International Criminal Tribunal
The commemoration of GENOCOST in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2024 will be remembered for Prime Minister Judith Suminwa’s passionate advocacy for the establishment of an international criminal tribunal to try international crimes committed in the country. In front of an attentive audience, the head of government raised crucial questions on the need to ensure justice, truth and the prevention of atrocities to ensure lasting peace.
Indeed, international crimes committed in the DRC cannot go unpunished. It is in this context that Judith Suminwa urged the international community to support the establishment of an international criminal tribunal to hold those responsible for these atrocities accountable. She stressed that simply repairing the damage is not enough and that justice must be done so that the truth comes out and such atrocities do not happen again.
The Prime Minister placed GENOCOST at the center of the debates, recalling the terrible events that occurred during the six-day war in Kisangani between the Rwandan and Ugandan armies, as well as the armed conflicts that have bloodied eastern DRC for decades. This commemoration aimed to pay tribute to the countless victims of this violence, while calling for collective awareness to put an end to these atrocities.
Judith Suminwa’s poignant remarks sparked diverse reactions among the guests present. Professor Emmanuel Luzolo Bambi, an expert in constitutional law and former Minister of Justice, welcomed the Prime Minister’s call for justice and truth, stressing the importance of preserving the memory of the victims and prosecuting those responsible for international crimes. For her part, Faida Mwangilwa, a civil society member and gender expert, highlighted the urgency of including a gender perspective in transitional justice processes to ensure inclusiveness and equity.
Finally, Alphonse Maindo, a professor of political science, stressed the importance of education and awareness-raising to prevent future conflicts and promote a culture of peace in the DRC. He called for concerted action by civil society, the government and the international community to create the conditions for effective and sustainable transitional justice.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa’s advocacy during the GENOCOST commemoration in the DRC in 2024 laid the foundations for a deep reflection on the need for justice, truth and prevention of atrocities to build a peaceful and prosperous future for the Congolese people. It is now up to all actors involved to transform these words into concrete actions and to work together in favor of inclusive and equitable transitional justice.