Human rights concerns are growing in the city of Goma, particularly over reports of abductions allegedly targeting civilians on several roads, especially during the evening and nighttime hours.
Maître Pierrot Kasende, a human rights defender with the Action for Justice Reform and the Promotion of Human Rights (ARJPDH) and a member of the CPI Coalition, strongly condemns what he describes as acts of abduction reported in Goma, a city currently under the de facto control of the AFC/M23.
According to information gathered by Maître Pierrot Kasende and fellow human rights defenders operating in the city, several roads are considered particularly dangerous, especially after dark.
Roads Reportedly Considered High-Risk
The human rights defenders specifically identified the following areas:
- Museum Road, commonly known as “Njiya Chini”;
- the Provincial Assembly Road;
- the Grande Barrière Road;
- and the road leading toward the former governor of North Kivu’s residence.
According to the information collected by the human rights defenders, several people have allegedly been victims of abductions along some of these routes.
However, these reports require case-by-case verification and official confirmation from the relevant authorities.
Call for Protection of Civilians
Maître Pierrot Kasende is calling on the AFC/M23 administration in Goma to take measures to protect civilians and ensure respect for fundamental human rights.
The human rights defender also calls for investigations into the reported abductions and for anyone found responsible for criminal acts to be brought before the appropriate justice mechanisms.
For Maître Pierrot Kasende, all alleged perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions in accordance with the law, regardless of their position or affiliation.
Human Rights Concerns in Goma
The alert comes amid broader concerns over the protection of civilians in areas under AFC/M23 control in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Human rights defenders say that residents should be able to move safely throughout the city, including during evening hours, without fear of abduction or other forms of violence.
Maître Pierrot Kasende is therefore urging the local administration to strengthen security measures on the roads identified as high-risk and to take concrete steps to prevent further violations against civilians.
He also calls for greater accountability and respect for human rights in Goma.
Zionnews-tv.net will continue to monitor the situation and any official reaction from the authorities concerned.
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Goma human rights defender Pierrot Kasende of ARJPDH and CPI Coalition raises alarm over reported abductions and calls for civilian protection.
