Presentation of Germain mirhonyi the President of NDSCI North Kivu during the Commemoration of the GenoCost

GENOCOST COMMEMORATIVE DAY THIS FRIDAY 02/8/2024 ORGANIZED BY NDSCI-NORTH-KIVU IN COLLABORATION WITH COJESKI-NORTH-KIVU AND OTHER CSO MEMBERS.

INTRODUCTION:

“GENOCOST” is an awareness campaign aimed at drawing attention to the mass crimes committed in the DRC since its accession to independence until the present day.

GENOCOST is, in other words, a term used in the Democratic Republic of Congo to designate the massacres committed for economic purposes which marked the Second Congo War, which began in 1998. Speaking of GENOCOST, we aim to highlight the economic dimension of these atrocities, where especially the country’s natural resources are at the heart of the issues.

Origin and objectives:

Interactions with participants during the activity

v GENOCOST finds its roots in the outbreak of the Second Congo War (1998 to 2002), a period during which a complex conflict involving numerous national and international actors broke out largely over economic issues because the belligerents were engaged in intensive exploitation of our resources, thus financing war and fueling illegal trafficking networks.

v To seize areas rich in minerals and remove civilian populations, the belligerents committed systematic massacres, rapes, pillaging and displacement of populations. These atrocities caused the deaths of millions of people (more or less 10 million) and created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

v The objectives of the different actors involved in GENOCOST are multiple:

Control of natural resources: Seize areas rich in minerals to finance war and enrich the elites.

Territorial expansion: Extend their influence and control over strategic regions.

Settling political scores: Eliminate political opponents and strengthen their power.

Why this term?

The term GENOCOST was created for:

• Underline the specificity of the atrocities committed in the DRC: The massacres were not only motivated by ethnic or religious hatred, but also by economic issues.
• Highlight the international dimension of the conflict: The riches of the Congo attract the attention of many foreign powers, who have supported and continue to support different belligerents.
• Demand international recognition: The term GENOCOST aims to have the massacres committed in the DRC recognized as a crime against humanity and to obtain reparations for the victims.

In summary, GENOCOST is a dark period in the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo, marked by unspeakable atrocities committed to appropriate the country’s wealth. This term reminds us of the importance of not forgetting these events and of continuing to fight for justice and reconciliation.

Note that it is recognized that several regions of the DRC are particularly affected by this phenomenon, in particular:

North Kivu and South Kivu: These two provinces are rich in minerals such as gold, coltan, cassiterite and wolfram. They are the scene of clashes between the Congolese army, local and foreign armed groups, and UN peacekeeping forces. Illegal mining in these regions finances the activities of armed groups, perpetuates conflicts and leads to human rights violations.

Tanganyika: This province is also rich in minerals, notably copper and cobalt. Armed groups are active there and illegally exploit the mines to finance their activities.

Maniema: This province is known for its diamond reserves. The illegal mining of these diamonds fuels conflicts and criminal networks.

Made Goma on August 2, 2024,

For the New Dynamics of Civil Society “NDSCI-North Kivu)

Germain MIRHONYI, Provincial President.

For the Collective of Young Solidarity Organizations of Congo-Kinshasa “COJESKI-North Kivu”

KULIHOSHI MUSIKAMI Pecos, Provincial Coordinator.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS:

1. CT Freddy BUCHAGUZI: start with the analysis of the challenges which cause the non-appropriation of GENOCOST by the Congolese community and by the international community. Then demand recognition of GENOCOST by the international community and by the Security Council and by the Congolese communities. CT Freddy suggests that the NDSCI could send a letter to the Minister of Justice in order to condemn the aggressor countries and demand reparation but also to ensure that the international community can recognize the seriousness of the massacres committed in the DRC and provide relief.
2. BARUTSI SHAMBA Justin, MSCO NK provincial coordinator: as it is everyone’s business, communication for this activity must be strengthened in order to raise awareness and reach all social levels. He suggests that biannual actions must be organized. Also consider how to support victims of atrocities while these atrocities continue.
3. Léon SIMYERAYI Coordo AJVDC: he encourages everyone who seeks to reflect on the search for peace in the DRC. He recommends that civil society can be truly involved in different peace agreements and recommends that the NDSCI organizer of today’s activity ensure that the Congolese government and all stakeholders can respect the different agreements.