Fatshimétrie reveals the dark underbelly of the history of South Kivu, a province marked by violence and injustice for decades. Indeed, the research report presented by the Working Group on Transitional Justice in South Kivu reveals alarming statistics: no fewer than 191 incidents constituting serious crimes against the civilian population were recorded between 1994 and 2024. These chilling figures underline the urgent need to shed light on these abominable acts and to provide justice and reparations to the victims and their families.
The geographical analysis of these crimes also reveals worrying trends, with a significant concentration of incidents in the territories of Kalehe and Mwenga. These figures highlight the need for urgent action to stem this violence and protect vulnerable populations in these areas.
The alleged perpetrators of these crimes are mainly non-state armed groups, followed by state security services. This reality underlines the crucial importance of strengthening security and justice mechanisms in the region, to put an end to impunity and ensure the protection of civilian populations.
Unfortunately, a large majority of these crimes have not yet been brought to justice, leaving many victims without answers or reparations. This observation highlights the shortcomings of the justice system and underlines the need for concerted action to strengthen the capacities of judicial institutions and ensure access to justice for all.
Faced with this alarming situation, the report underlines the urgent need to implement transitional justice mechanisms, both judicial and non-judicial. This involves not only bringing the perpetrators of these crimes to justice, but also putting in place support and reparation measures for victims and witnesses of these atrocities.
More than a simple inventory of crimes, this report calls for action and mobilization of all stakeholders to ensure that these heinous acts do not go unpunished and that justice is done to the innocent who have suffered so much. It is time to act, to condemn the violence and to work together to build a safer and more just future for all the people of South Kivu.