GOMA, Congo (AP) – In a tragic turn of events during a protest in eastern Congo, unarmed demonstrators accusing a military officer of colluding with Rwanda-backed rebels were met with gunfire, resulting in at least three fatalities, according to regional officials. The incident transpired in the city of Uvira, located in South Kivu province, where witnesses reported that members of the Congolese military opened fire on the crowd.
Participants in the protest, which included militia members and representatives from civil society groups, claimed that the military's actions left at least four individuals dead and wounded another seven. However, South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki stated that the official death toll stands at three, with five others injured. He acknowledged that the victims were “unarmed protesters” and expressed condolences but refrained from identifying those responsible for the shooting.
The protesters were calling for the dismissal of Gen. Olivier Gasita, a commander recently stationed in Uvira, who they allege has ties to the M23 rebel group backed by Rwanda. Gen. Gasita dismissed these accusations, urging the local populace to “remain united behind the institutions” of the state.
Marafiki Masimango, a member of a civil society organization in Uvira, noted that his group organized a march towards Gasita’s hotel, presenting a document demanding his resignation. Members of the Walazendo militia, which frequently collaborates with Congolese forces, participated in the demonstration. Masimango expressed his shock at the military’s response, stating, “We marched and the population responded positively to our call,” only to witness soldiers opening fire on the crowd.
According to Walazendo spokesman Byaduniya Alexis, the fatalities resulted from gunfire by the military officer’s bodyguards. He explained that the guards feared an attack as protesters approached the hotel to deliver their memo, prompting them to fire at the crowd in panic.
In response, Governor Sadiki called for calm and urged unity among Congolese citizens. He dismissed rumors of conflict between the army and Walazendo, stating, “I can say that, for the time being, we will do everything possible to ensure that this kind of thing cannot happen again.” He further emphasized that any divisions among the populace in regions still free from militant occupation would only serve to benefit the M23 rebels and their Rwandan supporters.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo is exacerbated by the presence of over a hundred armed groups, resulting in a complex landscape of conflicts and shifting alliances. The M23 rebel group, which is strongly backed by Rwanda, has emerged as the most formidable opponent of the Congolese government, capturing key territories since their resurgence in January. Human rights organizations report that thousands have perished since the fighting reignited.
Gen. Gasita has accused anti-government protesters of being influenced by “Rwandan poison” and has called for a collective focus on national unity. He remarked, “We must focus on what matters, remain united behind the institutions of the republic. And then, the final victory will be Congolese.”
