** Analysis of recent declarations on M23 and AFC crimes in Goma and Bukavu: Towards a path of justice? **
On May 20, 2025, during a opening in Kinshasa, the national mechanism for monitoring the Addis Ababa agreement presented a revealing document on the massive crimes committed between January and April of this year in the cities of Goma and Bukavu, under the rebellious occupation of AFC-M23. This initiative, carried by its coordinator Alphonse Ntumba Lwaba, aims to pay tribute to the victims and to lay the foundations for an international judicial response to the experienced atrocities.
### An alarming observation
The document of more than 100 pages highlights several crimes qualified as war and crimes against humanity, even going so far as to evoke acts of genocide. Through this publication, the mechanism underlines its commitment to justice and the truth. The impact of such an initiative is undeniable, both national and international. Indeed, the documentation of these crimes could be crucial to strengthen the pleadings with international judicial bodies. This raises an essential question: could this desire to highlight past atrocities be a real lever to avoid their repetition in the future?
### The role of the international community
The Congolese authorities present at this ceremony, including the Minister of Human Rights and the Minister of Communication and the Media, insisted on the need to make the perpetrators of these responsible abuses. Far from being an isolated request, this call is part of a broader framework, where the international community must play a supporting role. What specific actions could be implemented to ensure that the responsibilities are actually established and that justice is done?
### A historical perspective
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) cannot be dissociated from its conflictual past. In almost three decades, fighting in the east of the country caused at least 12 million victims, a figure that highlights the extent of the current human tragedy. The complexity of this context, marked by regional geopolitical issues, makes any effort of pacification and reconciliation difficult. How do historical factors and regional dynamics influence perception and response to current violence?
### Towards a collective reflection
The questioning of the relationship between peace and justice is at the heart of the concerns raised by this white paper. Patrick Muyaya, Minister of Communication, recalled that it is crucial not to sacrifice justice in favor of an ephemeral peace. This affirmation raises a broader reflection on the means of optimizing peace processes without obscuring legal imperatives. What legal and social infrastructures must be set up to ensure that peace is sustainable and based on principles of justice?
### Conclusion
The report presented by the national mechanism for monitoring the Addis Ababa agreement appears as an essential document for the DRC. It is not only a question of denouncing the atrocities subsumed to the M23 and the AFC, but also of initiating a dialogue on the routes of repair and reconciliation. The construction of a fairer and peaceful company will require collective mobilization, both national and international. By offering a space for reflection on these complex questions, we hope to contribute to the emergence of sustainable solutions, capable of transforming sorrow and injustice into a future where respect for human rights prevails.
Ultimately, the words expressed during the presentation of this document resonate as a call not to forget the past while working for a better future. An interrogation remains: are we ready, collectively, to answer this call?