Title: The inhabitants of South Kivu demand justice for the victims of the wars in the DRC
Intertitle: A collective mourning to pay tribute to the victims of the massacres
During the collective mourning in memory of the victims of the wars in the DRC, which was held recently in Bukavu, the inhabitants of the province of South Kivu expressed their indignation and demanded justice in the face of the numerous massacres which have bloodied this region for more than two decades. Organized by the Congolese Coalition for Transitional Justice (CCJT), this event aimed to highlight the need for effective reparation for victims and legal proceedings against the perpetrators of these crimes.
The law on reparation, promulgated by the President of the Republic last year, provides for the celebration of “Geno-Cost” (genocide for economic gain), but many victims have still not obtained justice. This is why the inhabitants of South Kivu are now calling for the effective application of this law in order to guarantee adequate reparation for the victims and to prevent the repetition of such massacres.
A call for the truth and the non-repetition of the massacres
The Vice President of the Local Civil Society Coordinating Office, Nene Bintu, stressed the importance of seeing the Reparations Act effectively implemented. According to her, it is essential to expose the truth and to guarantee a non-recurrence of these massacres which have caused so much suffering and loss in the South Kivu region.
Sociologist Phillipe Kaganda also underlined the importance of the commemoration of the day of the Congolese genocide initiated by President Félix Tshisekedi. This commemoration makes it possible to reconnect with history and to project the future by becoming aware of the crimes perpetrated and by seeking to prevent such acts in the future.
Focus on the victims of the massacres in Kasika, Mutarule, Kavumu and Makobola
The collective mourning in memory of the victims of the wars in the DRC extends over a week and places particular emphasis on the many victims of the massacres that took place in localities such as Kasika, Mutarule, Kavumu and Makobola, among others. These places have been the scene of horrific violence, leaving bereaved families and traumatized communities.
The need to sensitize national and international public opinion
The first official ceremony to commemorate the Congolese genocide for economic gains was held in Kinshasa, presided over by President Félix Tshisekedi. This initiative, organized by the National Fund for the Reparation of Victims of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and Victims of Crimes Against the Peace and Security of Humanity (FONAREV), aims to raise public awareness, both nationally and internationally, on the many crimes perpetrated with impunity in the DRC for many decades.
It is crucial to pay tribute to the victims of these atrocities and to make their stories known in order to break the cycle of impunity and prevent further acts of violence. Raising public awareness is a first step towards justice and reparation for victims.
Conclusion
The collective mourning in memory of the victims of the wars in the DRC and the demand for justice from the people of South Kivu are strong calls to put an end to impunity and guarantee adequate reparation for the victims of the massacres. It is essential that the law on reparation is applied effectively so that the truth comes out and that such acts are not repeated in the future. By raising public awareness, we are helping to pay tribute to the victims and to fight against the impunity that has persisted for too long in the DRC