The Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) President, Félix Tshisekedi, has declared August 2 as the National Day of Commemoration, marking 30 years since the onset of the Congolese human and economic genocide, referred to as "genocost." 

This day of remembrance will be observed annually to honour the millions affected by the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.

The commemoration recognises the profound impact of the conflict that has ravaged the eastern DRC since 1996, resulting in approximately six million deaths. The turmoil began with the First Congo War, 1996-1997, which followed the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. 

The conflict, triggered by ethnic violence and political instability, saw the influx of nearly two million Hutu refugees into the DRC, leading to the formation of militias and escalating violence.

In his address, DRC's Ambassador to Namibia, Mulum'ajirwa N'owabo Katoto, emphasised the importance of remembering the day.

"The DRC is experiencing an unjust war because of the coveteousness of its wealth by neighbouring countries, notably Rwanda and Uganda, assisted and encouraged by the international community and multinationals, complicit in silence and unacknowledged inaction compared to what they are doing in Ukraine-Russia and in Israel-Palestine-Iran."

Emery Wambo is a representative of the Kimbanguist Church, and she also added to the impact the continuing conflict has on the people of the DRC.

"If you look at the number of people that were killed in Congo, we can say that it's almost 4 times the population of Namibia; maybe by now those people have been forgotten."

The observance of August 2 aims to honour those who died during the Genocide and acknowledge the enduring struggle of the Congolese people, both within the country and around the world.