DR.Congo
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DR Congo honors victims of genocide with the GENOCOST Memorial.
The GENOCOST: A Nation’s Cry for Recognition, Justice, and Memory
DR Congo honors victims of genocide with the GENOCOST Memorial. A call for justice, truth, and international recognition rises from Kinshasa.
8/3/25, 1:27 PM
Kinshasa, August 2, 2025 — On this solemn day of national remembrance, the Democratic Republic of the Congo honored the millions of victims lost in its decades-long conflict with the official inauguration of the GENOCOST Memorial. This national event, held in Kinshasa and led by President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, marked a significant step in reclaiming Congo’s narrative and demanding international recognition for what Congolese now unequivocally call a genocide.
A Memorial for the Forgotten
The GENOCOST Memorial, established under the initiative of FONAREV (National Fund for Reparations for Victims of Conflict-related Sexual Violence and Crimes Against Peace and Humanity), stands as a tribute to the tens of millions of Congolese men, women, and children, slaughtered, raped, and exploited in the shadow of wars that continue to be downplayed by global powers.
President Tshisekedi, flanked by the nation’s top officials and dignitaries, declared powerfully:
And if the world still hesitates to recognize this tragedy for what it is, a GENOCIDE—we will not wait for others to validate our pain. We are the first witnesses; we will be the first artisans of justice.”
This declaration resonated across provinces and embassies, where commemorative events unfolded simultaneously, reflecting a nation united in grief and determination.
President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo went beyond symbolic remembrance. He issued a direct call to Parliament:
The time has come,” he declared, “for our legislative body to vote a resolution officially recognizing the genocides committed on Congolese soil.”
This statement marks a historic shift, from moral acknowledgment to institutional responsibility. By urging lawmakers to pass a formal resolution, the President signaled that Congo is no longer waiting for foreign validation, but is taking the lead in writing its truth into law.
A Day for Truth, Justice, and Healing
The government has reaffirmed its mission to elevate the voices of victims, nationally and on the international stage, pushing forward the demand for justice and formal recognition.
We will never give up. We will continue our struggle for peace, and for each Congolese to live in dignity from the riches of our land. Never forget. Never repeat. Begin to heal.” — Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka
The 2nd of August was not just symbolic; it became a full-scale movement.
Across the country, and especially in Kinshasa, civil society and youth-led platforms stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the state.
One of the most visible movements is GENOCOST, launched in 2013 by the Congolese Action Youth Platform (CAYP). This term combines “genocide” and “cost,” highlighting how mass atrocities were not random but systematically tied to the exploitation of Congo’s natural wealth.
The killings, the rapes, the forced recruitment of our children—these are the real cost of our minerals,” said a CAYP leader.
Youth & Memory: The Conference at UNIKIN
A debate conference hosted at the University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN) and a peaceful march to Genocost Square (formerly Evolved Square) capped off the commemorative day.
The conference, themed “Justice, Memory, and Dignity,” brought together voices from across Congolese civil society:
Key Speakers and Themes:
Prof. Dady Saleh (AJPC) Topic: The 4 powers for responsible and effective citizen engagement
Col. Nénette Mukembe Topic: Memory as a tool for peace – calling youth to enlist in the FARDC for national defense
Christian Mibeya (Génération Na Biso) Topic: Transmitting memory to build peace and prevent future violence
Mrs. Carine Mambu (Mambu Foundation, Air Congo) Topic: Beyond humanitarian aid, restoring dignity in conflict zones
Steve Mabiku Topic: Economic policy and public health in post-conflict areas
Enoch Malumalu (MAS, Lumumba Foundation) Topic: Youth roles in building inclusive and fair justice
CT Albert Ntumba (Empire Informatique) Topic: Youth-led digital innovation for accountability
Survivor testimonies from Goma closed the session, piercing reminders of Congo’s ongoing trauma.
GENOCOST’s Threefold Mission
Civil society groups under the GENOCOST banner have articulated a clear agenda:
International Recognition: Push for August 2 to be officially acknowledged by the United Nations as the International Day of the Congolese Genocide.
Justice for Atrocities: Secure legal accountability and reparations for crimes committed by foreign aggressors, notably, the Rwandan and Ugandan forces accused of systemic war crimes.
Permanent Memorials: Erect monuments and educational centers to preserve the collective memory and ensure future generations never forget.
We’ve submitted memorandums to the presidency, the prime minister, and the UN. But let’s be clear: only the government can secure formal UN recognition. We call for stronger state action and legal mobilization,” stated a CAYP representative.
A National Duty, A Global Responsibility
The GENOCOST movement isn’t just a Congolese issue; it’s a test for the world’s conscience.
This 2025 commemoration is not about division or revenge. It’s about truth. It’s about justice. And it’s about rebuilding a nation with dignity, for the future.
As Congo rises, it refuses to bury the truth with the bodies of its fallen.
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