Fatshimetrie, October 20, 2024 – The issue of compensation for war victims in Kisangani, in the Tshopo province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has recently been the subject of significant developments. A memorandum, written by a victims’ association and addressed to President Félix Tshisekedi, highlights the significant progress observed in the compensation process.
According to this document, the solidarity fund for war victims of the eastern province expressed its satisfaction with the progress of the steps taken in favor of the victims. Since September 6, 2024, victims have begun to receive provisional individual compensation of $2,000. A crucial step that was welcomed by Dieudonné Katusi Etefa, president of the association.
Furthermore, this association has provided support to the new coordination of the Special Fund for Reparation and Compensation for Victims of Uganda’s Illicit Activities in the DRC (Frivao), which was recently appointed by the Minister of State for Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Constat Mutamba. Welcoming the dynamics and success-oriented management of this coordination, the association has committed to continue to provide its support as long as progress continues.
The reactivation of individual compensation by Frivao has already enabled the compensation of more than 1,000 certified victims. In addition, construction work on the Six-Day War Memorial has been restarted. However, more than 2,000 other certified victims are still awaiting their individual compensation, as are the 11,655 other victims whose files require additional information or medical examinations.
Regarding collective compensation projects, discussions are underway for the implementation of new initiatives, in addition to the revival of the project to build the six-day war memorial. The association expressed its gratitude to President Tshisekedi for his commitment to reparations for the harm suffered by victims of the illicit activities of the Ugandan army in the DRC.
Furthermore, the association called on the new coordination team to foster close collaboration with victims for concerted actions aimed at improving their lives. Finally, it warned against any attempt to disrupt public order in the name of war victims.
Solidarity and gratitude to the authorities were clearly expressed during the recent support march organized by all layers of war victims in Kisangani. This event brought the community together around the Head of State, the Minister of State in charge of Justice and the new Frivao coordination, thus demonstrating the importance given to this compensation process..
Ultimately, Frivao, created in April 2023 to manage compensation funds for victims of the Ugandan army’s illicit activities between 1998 and 2003, continues its efforts to ensure fair and equitable reparation for the victims of these acts. The construction of the Six-Day War Memorial and other projects demonstrate the authorities’ willingness to recognize and repair the harm suffered by the populations affected by these tragic events.