The main reasons for the mass arrests are primarily: BODY TATTOOS, HAVING AN “UGLY” FACE, LOSS OF ID CARDS, and PERSONAL VENDETTAS.

1. BODY TATTOOS — Even though many chronic diseases in Congo are treated naturally, tattoos have long been part of traditional healing practices since childhood — for instance, in cases like Ruhima and other chronic illnesses, known even to Rwandans.

2. HAVING AN “UGLY” FACE — This is not the fault of the innocent victims who are now marginalized by Rwandan soldiers in Goma and Nyiragongo.

3. LOSS OF VOTER ID CARDS — Many people are being arrested despite having valid ID cards. The M23-Rwanda administration seems to deliberately ignore the situation. Many Congolese held hostage in Goma and Nyiragongo had lost their cards, and neither the CENI nor civil services are providing duplicates or certificates of loss.

4. PERSONAL VENDETTAS — In areas under M23-Rwanda occupation, all it takes is someone with connections in the group to accuse a target of anything, leading to an arrest without any legal process.

Written by Patient Igunzi