Amnesty International demands investigation into Congo officials for crimes against humanity

In August 2023, Amnesty International called for investigations into three Congolese officials in connection with a deadly crackdown on protesters in Goma, Congo. This protest, organized by the Natural Judaic and Messianic Faith Towards the Nations (Wazalendo), was against the U.N. peacekeeping mission called MONUSCO. The protest resulted in the deaths of at least 56 individuals and left 80 others injured, highlighting the grave concerns surrounding human rights abuses in the region. The protest took place in a context where the Congolese people expressed frustration towards MONUSCO, which has been operating since 2010 but has failed to adequately protect civilians from ongoing armed violence due to instability in Eastern Congo. Following the protest, Amnesty International reported that Congo's security forces had received orders to respond violently to the demonstrators. The organization documented the events leading to the crackdown and identified the key figures in the military and local government whose actions contributed to the violence. Lt. Gen. Constant Ndima, who was governor of North Kivu at the time, allegedly instructed security forces to use any measures necessary to protect MONUSCO facilities, viewing Wazalendo as a serious threat. Col. Mike Kalamba Mikombe and Maj. Peter Kabwe were implicated in directly ordering troops to open fire on unarmed protesters, with consequences that included mass killings and the suppression of dissent. Amnesty highlights a lack of accountability for these officials, drawing particular attention to the fact that while Mikombe was convicted and sentenced to death, Ndima and Kabwe had not faced justice for their roles. This raises serious questions about the rule of law in Congo and the ability of the government to hold powerful individuals accountable for human rights violations. The widespread violence and protests illustrate the ongoing struggle for peace and security in a region plagued by decades of conflict, where over 7 million people have been displaced due to armed groups fighting for power and resources. The organization urged President Felix Tshisekedi to take immediate action, including suspending Ndima and Kabwe, further investigating Mikombe's case, and prohibiting the Republican Guard and Special Forces from any law enforcement duties. The situation underscores the dire need for reforms and accountability in the Congolese military and security sectors to restore trust among the populace and ensure the protection of human rights in the face of rising tensions and violence.