Freddy Mukuza’s friend, Justin, helplessly witnessed his final moments from a distance of 50m (160 ft). When news of Freddy’s shooting by M23 rebels reached him, Justin and others rushed to the scene in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite finding Freddy still alive, they were prevented from taking him away by the M23 rebels, who threatened them with bullets. Tragically, Freddy passed away before they could intervene, and only then were they allowed to retrieve his body.
Prior to Freddy’s death, a group of rebel fighters in three pick-up trucks had arrived in Kasika, his neighborhood. This incident occurred on Saturday, 22 February, nearly a month after the M23 had captured Goma. Following the attack, several individuals, primarily young men, were reported dead, as per anonymous sources for their safety.
Despite requests for comment on the alleged mass killing, the M23 did not respond. Local officials in Kasika have not disclosed the death toll, and the likelihood of an impartial investigation seems bleak. The M23’s dominance in the region allows them to act with impunity, resulting in fear and silence among the residents.
Freddy Mukuza, a civilian, father of two, and a struggling activist, fell victim to the M23’s violence, leaving behind a grieving community. His friend Justin, determined to keep Freddy’s memory alive, sheds light on the harsh realities faced by those living under the oppressive rule of the rebels. The atmosphere in Kasika remains tense and fearful following the tragic events, with residents living in constant fear of the rebels’ return. Local journalists have not covered the story. However, a shaky video was shared on social media the following day, 23 February, showing what appears to be some of the victims – 10 bodies dumped in an unfinished building. It is uncertain if any of the deceased were soldiers. None of the bodies were in uniform and no weapons were visible. In the background, screams and shouts can be heard as a woman repeatedly mentions that there are 10 bodies, moving from one to another. The video had a shocking impact, even in the violent context of DR Congo. Sources have confirmed the authenticity of the video, with one identifying the location as Kasika. The bodies had been moved by the time one source visited, and he recognized one of the individuals from the neighborhood. Two sources mentioned that the youngest victim in Kasika was a 13-14 year old boy who was taken away by force and killed. Other victims included a young woman selling milk on the streets and a street vendor in his twenties. The chaos caused by the rebels resulted in indiscriminate killings, leaving families in grief and fear. “No-one wants to be next,” one witness mentioned. Bereaved families held quick burials without traditional mourning ceremonies. Residents expressed their disappointment in the rebels who were expected to bring peace but instead brought terror and devastation. The capture of Goma by the M23 rebels has left the city’s residents living in fear and silence. Pada pukul 18:00 sudah gelap, dan mereka bisa membawa kamu dengan sangat mudah.
Corneille Nangaa mengatakan kepada BBC bahwa ia tidak tahu apa-apa tentang penyalahgunaan masa lalu yang diduga dilakukan oleh M23 [AFP]
Saat keluarga di Kasika terpaksa menahan kesedihan mereka, M23 terus melakukan penjelajahan mereka melalui timur Kongo DR.
Setelah Goma, mereka menguasai kota Bukavu pada pertengahan Februari. Mereka telah mengancam untuk pergi sampai ke ibu kota, Kinshasa, 1.600km (hampir 1.000 mil) jauhnya.
Mereka mengklaim bahwa mereka adalah kaum revolusioner yang memerangi negara yang gagal, dan mempertahankan hak-hak minoritas Tutsi.
Kelompok hak asasi manusia menggambarkan gambaran yang sangat berbeda.
Mereka telah menuduh kelompok bersenjata tersebut melakukan serangkaian penyalahgunaan sejak berdirinya pada tahun 2012 – termasuk pengeboman sistematis di daerah sipil, pemerkosaan berkelompok dan “eksekusi ringkas”. Tuduhan-tuduhan itu telah didokumentasikan dalam serangkaian laporan.
Dalam wawancara BBC baru-baru ini, saya bertanya kepada pemimpin pemberontak, Corneille Nangaa, untuk sebuah tanggapan. Ia memimpin koalisi partai politik dan milisi – yang disebut Aliansi Sungai Kongo – yang mencakup M23.
“Saya tidak melihat laporan-laporan tersebut,” kata Nangaa. “Saya tidak bisa merespons laporan yang tidak saya baca.” Dia juga mengatakan bahwa dia tidak khawatir dengan tuduhan-tuduhan tersebut.
Ditekan mengapa dia tidak membaca laporan-laporan tersebut, dia berkata: “Berikan saya satu, saya akan membacanya.”
Nangaa, mantan kepala komisi pemilihan Kongo DR, bergantian antara seragam tempur dan setelan rapi.
Dia disajikan sebagai wajah yang tak bersenjata dan tidak mengancam dari para pemberontak, tetapi pemerintah Kongo menawarkan hadiah $5 juta (£4 juta) untuk informasi yang mengarah pada penangkapannya.
Para pemberontak tidak sendirian dalam memiliki sejarah brutalitas. Hal yang sama berlaku untuk tentara Kongo, dan banyak kelompok bersenjata lainnya di timur Kongo DR.
Tetapi M23 sekarang adalah satu-satunya otoritas di sebagian wilayah timur, dan jutaan orang Kongo berada di bawah kekuasaan mereka.
Saat kami berbicara dengan seorang penduduk Kasika, istrinya memanggilnya, memintanya untuk segera mengambil putra mereka yang berusia delapan tahun dari sekolah.
Kepanikan menyebar karena laporan bahwa M23 mengambil anak-anak dari kelas mereka.
Dia membawa anaknya pulang dengan selamat tetapi takut akan masa depan.
“Kami semua traumatik. Mereka mengatakan bahwa mereka datang untuk membebaskan kami,” katanya. “Tapi sekarang rasanya seperti mereka menyandera kami.”
Pelaporan tambahan dari Wietske Burema BBC.
[BBC]
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[Getty Images/BBC]
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