The death toll from the suppression of protests in Goma, North Kivu, rose to 51 as authorities reported at a press briefing. The figure was confirmed by Peter Kazadi, the Minister of the Interior for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and cited by the Congolese news portal 7sur7. The incident underscores ongoing tension surrounding MONUSCO, the United Nations stabilization mission, and the volatile security situation in eastern Congo where multiple armed groups operate.
Earlier, a local group known as Wazalendo, sometimes described as patriots in French, organized an unauthorized demonstration against MONUSCO. Security forces dispersed the gathering after it was deemed to threaten public order, according to government statements. Reports describe violent suppression during the protest, with claims from officials that some demonstrators aimed to attack security personnel and breach public order.
In response to the unrest, authorities announced actions to determine accountability. An inter-ministerial commission of inquiry has been established, and two high-ranking officers were detained by KDC authorities as part of the investigations into the incident and the broader handling of the protests.
As of August 30, around 140 individuals were being tried by the Military Prosecutor’s Office in Goma for alleged involvement in a conspiracy to commit a crime and participation in an insurgent activity. Among those detained is Ephraïm Bisimwa, a pastor and leader associated with the Wazalendo group, according to government releases and court records cited by state media.
The eastern DRC has experienced repeated protests against MONUSCO’s presence, driven by frustrations with security conditions and the complex landscape of armed groups operating in the region. In addition to local factions, the region has faced actions by groups linked to broader jihadist networks, creating a challenging security environment for residents and aid workers alike. MONUSCO and other regional stakeholders have faced calls for improved protection and a clearer roadmap toward stabilization, accountability, and humanitarian access, reflecting ongoing debates about the mission’s role in regional security and public safety. [Sources: government statements; 7sur7; court records]