In Goma, Congo, unarmed protesters in the eastern city of Uvira accused a military officer of supporting Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, leading to a tragic incident on Monday where at least three people were killed due to gunfire. Witnesses and regional authorities reported varying death tolls, with some claiming that at least four individuals were killed and seven were injured during the protests organized by local civil society and militia groups.
South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki confirmed that three people died and five were injured, acknowledging that the victims were unarmed protesters. He expressed his condolences but refrained from detailing who had opened fire during the incident. The protesters rallied against General Olivier Gasita, a newly appointed commander accused of collaborating with the M23 rebels, demanding his removal from Uvira. Gen. Gasita denied the allegations and urged the community to "remain united behind the institutions" of the government.
The protest, coordinated by civil society leader Marafiki Masimango, included a march toward Gasita's hotel where demonstrators presented a demand for his resignation. Members of the Walazendo militia, known for their cooperation with Congolese forces, participated actively in the demonstration. Masimango expressed his shock at witnessing military personnel open fire on unarmed civilians, insisting that the number of fatalities was at least four, with seven others injured.
According to Walazendo spokesman Byaduniya Alexis, the bodyguards of the military officer reacted fearfully to the march, fearing an attack at the hotel, which led them to fire directly at the crowd. Governor Sadiki called for peace and solidarity among the citizens, dismissing any rumors of conflict between the army and the Walazendo group. He emphasized that division among the populace would only benefit the M23 rebels and their supporters in Rwanda.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has been exacerbated by the presence of numerous militant groups, creating a convoluted landscape of interests and shifting alliances. The M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, has emerged as a principal adversary of the Congolese government, capturing key territories since its resurgence in January. Various human rights organizations have reported thousands of casualties as the violence persists.
General Gasita has characterized the protests as a manifestation of "Rwandan poison," stressing the importance of national unity in the face of such challenges. He remarked that the focus should be on maintaining cohesiveness and rallying behind the republican institutions, asserting that "the final victory will be Congolese."
This tragic incident highlights the fragile nature of stability in eastern Congo, where the interplay of military, political, and social tensions can result in deadly confrontations. The situation remains precarious, with the echoes of conflict resonating through the communities affected.
