May 14, 2023 sadly marks 21 years since the massacre of more than 300 civilians in Kisangani, perpetrated by the armies of the RCD-Goma rebellion, supported by Rwanda. This tragedy, which has been documented by several human rights organizations, is considered war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, the perpetrators of these massacres are still at large and often hold high positions in the country’s institutions.
In a statement, Dismas Kitenge, president of Groupe Lotus, a non-governmental organization based in Kisangani, reiterated his demands for justice, insisting on the fact that the sponsors of these killings are found even in the high offices of the State. He also pointed out that many civil society actors in Kisangani who denounced these massacres were threatened with death and forced into hiding.
On this day of commemoration, it is therefore important to pay tribute to all the victims of these serious crimes and to all the actors of civil society who risked their lives to denounce these atrocities. It is also essential to put pressure on the authorities so that justice is finally done.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces many challenges, including natural disasters, terrorism and insecurity. It is necessary to strengthen security to prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future. In this time of crisis, it is also important to remain united and to mobilize the necessary resources to help the victims.
In short, this commemorative day is an opportunity to recall the tragic events of Kisangani and to highlight the importance of continuing transitional justice efforts in the DRC.