CIA-VAR Clarifies GENOCOST Memory Frame Versus Legal Genocide Recognition

Kinshasa, DRC, August 4, 2026 - Following the observance of National GENOCOST Day on August 2, which was marked by a memorial event attended by President Félix Tshisekedi, François Kakese, the coordinator of the CIA-VAR initiative, provided critical clarifications regarding the concept of GENOCOST. Kakese emphasized that GENOCOST serves as a national memorial framework aimed at honoring the victims of war and crimes associated with resource predation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the onset of the Second Congo War in 1998. He articulated that this framework is distinct from the legal definition of genocide as outlined in the 1948 Convention, which necessitates proof of intent to destroy a particular group.

Kakese's remarks highlighted the complementary nature of GENOCOST and legal genocide recognition, asserting that the two are not mutually exclusive but rather serve different purposes in the context of national memory and justice. He clarified that GENOCOST is not directed against any specific ethnic or social group but is intended to acknowledge the broader impact of conflict and exploitation on Congolese society. This initiative is part of a roadmap being developed under the guidance of the presidency's chief of staff, with the support of the National Fund for the Reparation of Victims (FONAREV), which aims to foster a comprehensive approach to addressing historical grievances.

The legal framework for GENOCOST was established in December 2022, specifically under Article 28 of the relevant law, which provides a basis for recognizing the suffering of victims while navigating the complexities of legal definitions of genocide. Kakese's statements reflect a growing recognition within the Congolese government of the need to address the historical injustices faced by its citizens while adhering to international legal standards.