GenoCost : l'UNIKIN réaffirme son devoir de mémoire et appelle la recherche universitaire à contribuer à la prévention des crimes de masse

The University of Kinshasa commemorated GenoCost on Thursday, August 6, through a day of remembrance, reflection, and civic engagement under the theme, “GenoCost: UNIKIN Remembers.” Held at Monekosso Hall, this student-led initiative brought together university authorities, faculty members, researchers, and numerous students around a shared objective: preserving the memory of the victims of the violence that has afflicted the Democratic Republic of the Congo and promoting a culture of peace.

At the conclusion of the event, the Rector of the University of Kinshasa, Professor Jean-Marie KAYEMBE NTUMBA, praised the strong symbolic significance of the commemoration. He recalled that the initiative aligns with the national momentum initiated by the President of the Republic, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, who recently inaugurated the GenoCost Memorial.

“The symbolism is powerful. Following the example of the President of the Republic, who commemorated GenoCost through the inauguration of the GenoCost Memorial, it was important for the youth to take ownership of this event,” the Rector told the press.

For Professor Jean-Marie KAYEMBE NTUMBA, the day is above all a duty of remembrance so that present and future generations will keep alive the memory of the tragedies that have marked the country and commit themselves to ensuring that such events never happen again.

“ ‘GenoCost: UNIKIN Remembers’ is intended to ensure that future generations never forget what happened in the Congo and, above all, that such tragedies never happen again,” he emphasized.

The Rector also praised the commitment of the students who initiated the commemoration, noting that they addressed the issue from multiple perspectives, including historical, cultural, artistic, scientific, and civic dimensions.

“I am delighted by this initiative from our students, who have taken into account every possible aspect. On this occasion, we once again discover that UNIKIN is home to outstanding talent and remarkable values in every field,” he said.

During the event, a solemn memorandum of commitment by the university youth was presented, reaffirming the students’ determination to uphold the memory of the victims and to promote justice, peace, and national cohesion.

The Rector also echoed the appeal made by Professor Bienvenu Wane Bameme, a lecturer in the Faculty of Law, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, urging the scientific community to strengthen research on mass crimes.

According to this appeal, experts from all academic disciplines are encouraged to contribute, each within their own field of expertise, to advancing research on the causes, consequences, and, above all, the prevention of such crimes.

In closing his remarks, Professor Jean-Marie KAYEMBE NTUMBA reaffirmed the mission of the University of Kinshasa to educate a conscientious, responsible, and committed youth dedicated to serving the Nation.

“The University intends to fully play its role by raising awareness first among its own students and then among the entire youth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” he concluded.

Jérémie KUNIMA