It is with great desolation that I discovered the images of the unfortunate incidents that occurred at various MONUSCO bases in Goma yesterday, Monday, July 25, 2022. Some offices were ransacked and equipment looted. Protesters were violently repressed.
This is deplorable.
I sympathize with the plight of MONUSCO and the trauma of its staff. I condemn these acts that do not constitute a dignified, peaceful and democratic means of protest. I also strongly condemn the disproportionate use of force that caused the deaths and numerous injuries of the deaths and numerous injuries among the demonstrators. I offer my deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
Although the frustration of the population of Goma is understandable because they live with the horrific consequences of this consequences of this war imposed on us by certain neighboring countries, this frustration should be expressed in non-violence. There was a way to demand from the international community more sanctions against the of the massacres and terrorist acts in the East of our country, which are known, without falling into the trap of a violence that benefits primarily the enemies of peace in the African Great Lakes region.
I call on everyone to exercise restraint and urge the Congolese political authorities to avoid inflammatory language that incites people and fuels violence.
In these difficult times for our country, I invite our people to remain clear-headed and calm and to support the war efforts of our defense forces, which are supported logistically by MONUSCO. Despite the difficulties we face every day, let us not mistake the enemy.