In 2000, Kisangani, located in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was the scene of deadly clashes between Rwandan and Ugandan forces. These two occupying armies, which had invaded the eastern DRC during the Second Congo War (1998-2003), fought violently for control over Kisangani and its natural resources.
The intense battles resulted in over 1,000 civilian casualties, hundreds of injuries, and significant damage to the city. In June 2024, the compensation process for these victims began. However, on the ground, some victims are expressing dissatisfaction with the management of the Fund for the Reparation and Compensation of Victims of Uganda’s Illicit Activities (Frivao).
In the DRC, the distribution of the Fund for the Reparation and Compensation of Victims of Uganda’s Illicit Activities (Frivao), initiated in June 2000, began in the Tshopo province.
The process of distributing $160 million received by the DRC out of the expected $325 million is being contested by some victims.
The Frivao decided to start the compensation process without having identified all the victims in the affected provinces.
Criticism Over Slow Processing of Cases
Launched on June 8, this victim compensation process is not universally appreciated: the slow processing of cases is particularly criticized by a victim of the “Six-Day War” who wished to remain anonymous: “We have been waiting for this money for so long.
Only one list was released, and it was on June 10 that we saw this list of 139 people who were supposed to be paid. But as of July 2, at the bank, only 139 people were waiting. The victims are growing impatient.”
Beyond the process itself, the amounts of compensation are often deemed too low. Divided into three categories, the lump sums range from 280 to 1,040 US dollars. These amounts constitute only the first installment, pending the identification of all victims in other provinces.