The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) recently commemorated the "Genocost", a term referring to the Congolese genocide for economic gains, in Kisangani, marking a significant step in recognizing the atrocities suffered by the Congolese people. This ceremony took place on August 2, 2024, following an initial commemoration in Kinshasa in 2023, and brought together national and local authorities, as well as members of civil society, to pay tribute to the millions of victims of armed conflicts that have plagued the country for several decades. The highlight of this tribute took place in the Makiso commune, at the cemetery of the victims of the 6-day war, where a monument to the victims of this tragedy is now erected.[1]

The Kisangani Ceremony

The highlight of this commemoration took place in the commune of Makiso, at the cemetery of the victims of the six-day war, where a monument was erected in memory of the victims. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, representing President Félix Tshisekedi, laid a wreath and bowed before the mass grave where the bodies of entire families rest, bearing witness to the horror of the violence endured. This moment of reflection was filled with emotion, especially for the sole survivor of a family decimated by a bomb during the clashes between the Rwandan and Ugandan armies.

In the cemetery, three steles symbolize the different categories of victims: those killed during foreign aggressions, those whose bodies were thrown into the Congo River and the Tshopo River, and those buried in makeshift cemeteries. The Prime Minister received explanations about the symbolism of these monuments, emphasizing the importance of collective memory in the fight against forgetting past atrocities.[2]

A Message of National Solidarity

During this ceremony, the Congolese government expressed its solidarity with the victims and their families, affirming that the nation will never forget them. President Tshisekedi also called for a general mobilization against the ongoing aggression of Rwanda on Congolese territory, emphasizing that the massacres are not just memories of the past, but persistent realities.

This day was established by law n°22/065 of December 26, 2022, and it aims to remind the national and international community of the atrocities suffered by the Congolese people.

The authorities have also planned commemorative activities in all provinces, with services and masses to honor the memory of the victims. The national flag has been lowered, symbolizing national mourning and the determination to never let these events happen again.[3]

International Resonance and Call for Recognition

The "Genocost" is not limited to a simple commemoration; it represents a call for the official recognition of the Congolese genocide. The DRC, rich in natural resources, has been the scene of conflicts fueled by foreign economic interests, and this day aims to raise international awareness about the need for justice for the victims. The organizers of this day, notably the Congolese Action Youth Platform (CAYP), seek to establish August 2nd as a day of remembrance, highlighting the significant human losses due to conflicts driven by resource exploitation.

As the personal representative of the President of the Republic Félix Tshisekedi, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa went to pay her respects and pay tribute, on behalf of the Congolese nation, to compatriots who are victims of sexual violence related to conflicts as well as victims of crimes against peace and security of humanity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Welcomed at this site by the Director General of Fonarev, Kevin Ngunga, the head of government received technical and historical explanations about the site as well as the symbolism of each of the memorial elements.[4]

Commitment to Justice

To the rhythm of the Republican Guard's band, the representative of the Head of State made her procession from the entrance to the foot of the three steles overlooking the memorial where she laid a wreath of flowers. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa has also incorporated actions into her government's action program to strengthen transitional justice mechanisms, including legal proceedings against perpetrators of crimes. This program aims to ensure that victims receive the recognition and reparation they deserve, while promoting national reconciliation.

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa also bowed before mass grave No. 1, where lie the bodies of 8 members of the same family killed by a bomb in clashes between the Rwandan and Ugandan armies on Congolese soil.

It was a moment of great emotion for the sole survivor of this family who testified before the Prime Minister 24 years after this horror to mark the solemn and national tribute paid to her close relatives. In this cemetery, which now houses 3 steles, each representing a category of victims. The central stele is dedicated to all Congolese victims of the aggressions by Rwanda and Uganda. Indeed, from June 5 to 10, 2020, the troops of the Ugandan and Rwandan armies clashed in the city, killing thousands of people trapped under the bullets. The city of Kisangani then served as a battlefield for the two foreign belligerents.[5]