GOMA, Congo (AP) — Tensions escalated in eastern Congo following a protest in Uvira, South Kivu province, where unarmed demonstrators accused a military officer of supporting Rwanda-backed rebels. The incident turned violent, resulting in at least three confirmed deaths and several injuries, according to local officials and witnesses. Reports from the ground indicate that members of the Congolese military opened fire on the protesters.
Witnesses affiliated with a local militia and a civil society organization reported that military forces shot at the protestors, claiming that the death toll could be as high as four, while seven others sustained injuries. However, South Kivu's Governor, Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, indicated that the official count was three fatalities and five injuries. He expressed condolences to the victims but did not attribute blame for the gunfire.
The focal point of the protest was Major General Olivier Gasita, who was recently appointed to Uvira. Demonstrators called for his resignation, accusing him of being complicit with the M23 rebel group, which is backed by Rwanda. Gen. Gasita refuted these allegations and urged the local population to maintain unity in support of governmental institutions.
Marafiki Masimango, a leader of the civil society group, organized the march towards Gasita's hotel, carrying a petition for his resignation. The Walazendo militia group, known for its collaboration with Congolese forces, also participated in the demonstration. Masimango expressed his shock at the violence, describing the military's actions of shooting at civilians as unjustifiable. He stood by the accounts that suggested at least four people were killed and seven were injured during the protest.
Byaduniya Alexis, a spokesman for the Walazendo militia, stated that the casualties were the result of gunfire from Gasita’s bodyguards. He explained that the guards panicked during the protest while the demonstrators were delivering their memo, leading them to open fire directly into the crowd.
In light of the turmoil, Governor Sadiki appealed for calm and cohesion among the Congolese, stating that any perceptions of conflict between the military and the Walazendo militia were unfounded. He extended his sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that efforts would be made to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Sadiki emphasized that divisiveness among citizens would only serve the interests of the M23 rebels and their supporters in Rwanda.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo is exacerbated by the presence of numerous militant groups involved in complex alliances and rivalries. The M23 rebel group stands as a significant adversary to the Congolese government, having captured strategic cities since their resurgence in January. This renewed conflict has reportedly led to thousands of deaths, as highlighted by several human rights organizations.
General Gasita, defending against the protest claims, referred to the dissent as a result of "Rwandan poison" and emphasized the need for unity behind the Congolese institutions. He firmly stated that the ultimate success would belong to the Congolese people.
