A year after a brutal massacre claimed the lives of over 50 people, families and loved ones gathered on Friday to demand true justice.
The victims, mostly members of the Natural Judaic and Messianic Faith Towards the Nations sect, were killed by elite Congolese troops during a protest last August.
The incident occurred in the North Kivu capital, Goma, when Republican Guard forces stormed the sect’s temple.
The protest, which had been banned by local authorities, was sparked by the sect leader’s call for the departure of foreign NGOs and UN forces from the region.
According to Human Rights Watch, at least 57 people were killed in the attack.
In October, the commander of the unit involved and three others were sentenced to 10 years in prison.
However, for the victims’ families, this is far from enough. “We are seeking our rights and true justice,” said Uwase Biganaba Alice, who lost her father in the massacre.
The sect, known for its strict adherence to traditional African values, has been a target of government persecution in the past.
Its members have been accused of extremism and separatism. Despite the challenges they face, the sect continues to fight for their rights and the memory of their loved ones.