Compiled and Editing by Sahar Yaghoubi
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has announced the arrest of military officers following a violent crackdown on an anti-UN protest in the eastern part of the country, resulting in the deaths of nearly 50 people. Congolese soldiers intervened last Wednesday to prevent a religious sect from demonstrating against United Nations peacekeepers in the city of Goma.
According to an internal army document verified by security officials, 48 civilians were killed, in addition to a policeman who was slain by the protesters. The government initially reported a death toll of 43 people and 56 wounded.
In response to the incident, Congolese Interior Minister Peter Kazadi announced on Monday that a commander of a Republican Guard brigade and a regiment commander had been arrested. Kazadi assured reporters in Goma that a trial would be organized in the coming hours to determine responsibility for the violence. The minister, accompanied by Congolese defense minister Jean-Pierre Bemba, conducted an investigation into the incident, interviewing military security officials in the city. Some of these officials were immediately referred to the military prosecutor’s office.
While urging the population to remain calm and trust the government and its justice system, the interior minister emphasized that a verdict would soon be reached. The eastern region of DR Congo has been plagued by militia activities for three decades, stemming from conflicts in the 1990s and 2000s. The UN peacekeeping mission in the area, which has a substantial budget of around $1 billion annually, has faced criticism within the country for its perceived failure to effectively prevent conflicts.
The recent arrests and the promised trial reflect the government’s efforts to address the violent incident and ensure accountability. The incident highlights the challenges faced by the UN peacekeeping mission in DR Congo and the public’s perception of its effectiveness in maintaining peace and stability. The government’s response seeks to restore trust and demonstrate its commitment to addressing security concerns and protecting the rights of its citizens.
