Fatshimetrie
On the night of Tuesday 05 to Wednesday 06 November, a tragic event shook the peaceful town of Goma, Congo. A man, accused of stealing a can of a highly alcoholic local drink called “Kargazok”, was attacked by the population, suffering a lynching followed by a public immolation in the Lushagala camp. The incident, which occurred in the Mugunga district in the west of the city, once again raises the question of respect for fundamental rights and popular justice in crisis zones.
According to testimonies collected by our team, the victim was caught consuming the famous “Kargazok” in the company of a few friends in the Lushagala extension displaced persons site. The accusation of theft quickly circulated among the inhabitants, provoking renewed anger and summary justice. Franck Ishara, Protection Officer for the region, testified to the sad incident, deploring the use of violence without even giving the accused the opportunity to explain himself.
This act of barbarity is unfortunately not an isolated case in the region. Several cases of mob justice have been reported in recent weeks, highlighting growing social tension and a sense of impunity within the community. The absence of effective judicial structures and the lack of trust in local authorities seem to push some citizens to take the law into their own hands, at the risk of committing irreparable acts.
It is crucial to strongly condemn such acts and promote respect for human rights and the principles of fair justice. Violence and revenge can in no way be viable solutions to resolve conflicts and tensions within a society. It is imperative that the competent authorities take adequate measures to prevent future incidents of this type and to guarantee the safety and respect for the dignity of all individuals, even in times of crisis.
In conclusion, the case of the man burned alive for stealing a simple can of drinks reminds us of the fragility of justice and the need for in-depth reflection on the underlying causes of such acts. Far from being limited to a tragic news item, this event highlights the importance of promoting values of tolerance, solidarity and mutual respect within our communities, in order to build a fairer and more humane future for all.