Remembrance of Fallen Friends: Dreams Unfulfilled
In the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a critical situation unfolded, affecting the lives of ordinary citizens like Denis, a 45-year-old teacher, and Daniel, a 23-year-old mason's assistant. Despite the hardships, they persevered, embodying the spirit of resilience that characterises the Congolese people.
Denis, a single father living in a small house on his sister's property, continued to teach children, determined to provide them with an education, even in the face of adversity. However, on February 22, 2025, Denis was tragically killed by the M23 militia in Goma.
Meanwhile, Daniel worked tirelessly, selling phone cards to support his family. He had dreams of moving out of his neighbourhood due to the presence of the M23 militia, but those dreams were cut short when he was shot and killed by the same militia in Goma.
The M23 militia, a primarily Congolese Tutsi rebel group based in the eastern DRC, has been engaged in ongoing armed conflict against the Congolese national army, UN peacekeepers, and rival militias. The group aims to expand its control over resource-rich areas and exert political and military influence in the region.
M23 has been accused of serious human rights violations, including large-scale, ethnically targeted killings of civilians. In July 2025 alone, the UN human rights office reported at least 319 civilians, including women and children, were killed by M23 fighters with alleged support from Rwandan forces. These killings took place largely in farming areas during planting season.
The tragedy in the east of the Congo is not just a humanitarian crisis, but also a political one. As the murderers carry weapons, it is often the powerful who protect them. Freddy, a 32-year-old taxi driver who used his art to sing about the suffering of the Congolese people, was shot and killed by the M23 militia in Goma. His death led the militia to disband, presumably to prevent anyone from documenting it.
Emille, a 28-year-old taxi driver, and Pierre, an activist of LUCHA, also fell victim to the M23 militia. Emille was killed in Goma, while Pierre was shot in the neighbourhood of Buziralo in the village of Muhongoza, South Kivu province. Four other young people, members of the Local Youth Council, were also shot alongside Pierre by the M23 rebels.
Idengo, a committed musician known for his uncompromising music and calls for justice, was imprisoned multiple times due to his criticism of the government. He survived a prison fire but was later shot and killed by the M23 militia in Goma.
Despite these tragedies, the young Congolese of today reject a culture where violence is a legitimate means of asserting one's rights. Many, like those in Kinshasa who were once actively involved or silently complicit in the violence that is now tearing the country apart, are working towards peace and accountability.
International bodies and rights organisations call for stopping the violence and holding perpetrators accountable. The people of the east of the Congo demand justice, and their voices echo louder with each life lost to senseless violence.
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