On Wednesday, August 2nd, the esplanade of the Higher Institute of Commerce (ISC) in the heart of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, was the scene of a poignant commemoration of the “Genocost”, the Congolese genocide. Thousands of young people gathered to pay tribute to the victims, but also to express their anger towards the alleged indifference of the international community.
A cry of anger against economic exploitation
During the event, the youth denounced the greed of multinational companies and the complaisance of the international community towards the increasing insecurity in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). According to them, this insecurity is maintained for economic purposes. Stéphane Mathe, former president of the provincial representation of students (REC North Kivu), pointed out the role of Rwanda, Uganda, and multinational companies in the exploitation of Congo’s natural resources. He called on these actors, urging them to respect Congo’s sovereignty and work for peace.
A call for recognition of the genocide
Mathe also stated that if the international community did not officially recognize the Congolese genocide, it would be considered complicit. He emphasized that the massacres in the DRC have already been recognized by the international community, and called for official recognition of the “Genocost”.
Goma: the starting point of the commemoration
The city of Goma was chosen as the pilot city for the Genocost commemoration. More than 1000 people from various districts of the city participated in the gathering, which the organizers termed a success.
Espoir Aspirine, an activist of the citizen movement “Fight for Change” (Lucha DRC-Africa), expressed the wish that August 2nd be declared a national holiday throughout the country.
This commemoration of “Genocost” in Goma is a testament to the determination of Congolese youth to demand justice for the victims of the genocide and to fight for the sovereignty and security of their country.
Magloire Tsongo, in Goma
