The Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Nigeria, Pascaline Gerengbo Yakivu, has called on the international community to intervene in the ongoing terrorism crisis in the DRC. Speaking in Abuja over the weekend during a commemoration event for the victims of genocide in Congo, Yakivu highlighted the dire situation faced by peaceful citizens in the country.
“Every day, peaceful citizens are forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in the bush, far from their natural environment, lacking everything, and dying of hunger and diseases caused by their displacement,” the envoy lamented. She emphasized that these individuals are innocent, suffering simply because they are Congolese, while the international community remains indifferent despite its reputation as civilized nations.
Yakivu accused neighboring countries’ militaries, particularly Rwanda, of sponsoring terrorism through support of the M23 terrorist group. She claimed that foreign armies have occupied large territories in the DRC for nearly three decades, committing atrocities including rape, murder, and looting of natural resources. She cited research by state institutions and credible foreign organizations attributing over 10 million deaths to these incursions and occupations.
“Imagine what 10 million deaths represent,” Yakivu stated. “We have countries both here in Africa and other continents whose overall population does not exceed 10 million inhabitants.”
The ambassador reflected on the DRC’s history of hospitality, recalling the events of April 1994 when the country opened its borders to Rwandan refugees. She urged the international community to intervene and help restore peace and stability to the region.
Yakivu’s appeal coincides with the observance of August 2nd as GENOCOST, a day set aside to remember genocide perpetrated for economic purposes.
