A nation’s cry for accountability
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the scars of over thirty years of conflict run deep. Thousands of victims still wait for justice, while those accused of atrocities often walk free. The “6 million voices for justice in Congo” campaign, led by Amnesty International, aims to change that by collecting six million signatures to demand accountability for the victims.
Growing up in the shadow of war
In Goma’s Kasika neighborhood, 37-year-old Noël Chiza has never known peace. A father of five, he has suffered numerous violent attacks. He is outraged that some of those he considers his tormentors now hold positions of responsibility in public institutions instead of facing justice.
“We were born in war, we grow up in war, we have experienced atrocities of all kinds and we risk even dying in war. That’s why we cannot continue to reward those who committed crimes by integrating them into institutions, whether at local or national level,” Chiza testified.
Millions of victims still alive
The six million signatures sought by Amnesty International refer to the estimated number of people who have died as a result of the conflicts in eastern DRC. But behind this figure are also millions of other, less visible victims who are still alive. Among them are those who, like Josué Wallay, were forced to flee their home region.
“Today, I am displaced in Kinshasa, far from my community and my living environment, because of the conflicts raging in eastern DRC. This displacement is not a choice of comfort; it is a break with my environment, my habits, my activities and part of what gave meaning to my daily life. The conflicts have affected me on multiple levels,” explained Josué Wallay.
Justice as a condition for lasting peace
For Raphaël Wakenge, a human rights defender involved in the campaign, fighting impunity is essential to achieving lasting peace in the DRC.
“Congolese justice suffers not only from a lack of capacity, but also from a lack of political will. We need a justice system capable of providing answers to victims, particularly through reparations. We call on all those who stand with Congolese victims to join this campaign.”
Through this campaign, Amnesty International is also asking that October 1 be declared a “National Day of Reflection and Action on Crimes under International Law Committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
