Kinshasa, July 30th, 2025 (CPA).- the implementation of the Mapping Report on massacres and war from the 1960s to the present day in the former province of Bandundu, south-west of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been requested by a youth organization, according to a statement from the organization received by the CPA on Wednesday. « In order to promote peace, love and peaceful coexistence in Grand Bandundu and its surroundings, the non-profit Organization: The Authentic and Visionary Youth of Grand Bandundu and its Surroundings (JAVIBA) is collaborating with the victims of the massacres of May 5th, 1997, the Mulele war, Yumbi, the Kwamouth-Bagata-Kenge-Maluku and Kimvula Triangle and others, is organizing commemorative and awareness-raising activities for both the national and international community with the aim not only of recognizing these atrocities but above all of implementing the Mapping Report and various other reports to ensure that justice is done, » reads in a document signed by Faustin Bimitia Kinkufi, president of the organization.
JAVIBA says it welcomes the outcome of its more than 10-year effort to have the atrocities in Grand Bandundu in particular and the Léopoldville area in general recognized by the national and international community. ‘FONAREV’s involvement in organizing activities to identify atrocities in Grand Bandundu is a victory for JAVIBA and NVGL,’ it notes. JAVIBA and NVGL denounce their marginalization in FONAREV’s operations despite their efforts over several years, JAVIBA and Nouvelle vision de la Grande Léopoldville (NVGL), two leading civil society organizations in Grand Bandundu; have denounced their marginalization in FONAREV’s activities. ‘We note that there is no inclusivity in FONAREV’s activities in Grand Bandundu. This is because several associations, prominent figures and patriotic journalists are not invited,’ the statement deplores. JAVIBA and NVGL condemn what they describe as the politicization of the process of identifying atrocities and victims in Grand Bandundu in particular and Grande Léopoldville in general, with the exclusion of major associations, dignitaries and journalists working for peace and development in this area. JAVIBA and NVGL call on FONAREV to collaborate with civil society, which has been working for years on behalf of the victims of the atrocities in Grand Bandundu.