FONAREV: A Pillar of Restorative Justice in Democratic Republic of Congo

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate, we bring you insights into how our Muslim brothers and sisters in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are striving for justice and dignity through the National Fund for Reparations to Victims of Sexual Violence and War Crimes (FONAREV).

A Sacred Mission for the Survivors

Allah (SWT) commands us to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable. The FONAREV embodies these divine principles by serving as a beacon of hope for those who have long suffered in silence. Its noble mission encompasses identifying victims, providing legal support, and ensuring rightful compensation. In a society scarred by warfare, it stands as an official acknowledgment of their pain, guided by the Islamic principles of justice and compassion.

A Transparent Public Fund

Despite recurring allegations from certain quarters, FONAREV operates with the transparency that our faith demands. Its funding streams flow from the Congolese state, mining royalties, and international partners. Like the system of Zakat in Islam, it serves as a mechanism for social justice, not a hidden treasury for ulterior motives. Those who claim otherwise seek to undermine the efforts to transform the nation's resources into instruments of healing.

Governance Challenges: A Test of Faith

We acknowledge, with humility before Allah (SWT), the delays and shortcomings in FONAREV's implementation. These challenges stem from logistical and administrative hurdles in an unstable environment. To reduce these difficulties to external political machinations is to lose sight of the true challenge: improving governance and strengthening oversight mechanisms, just as our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us about responsible leadership.

Rwanda's Criticisms: A Matter of Perspective

While Rwanda has criticized FONAREV's operations, we must remember that their own Genocide Survivors Support Fund (FARG) faced similar challenges. In 2020, they admitted to the misappropriation of millions of Rwandan francs. This reality demonstrates that no public fund is immune to risks, just as no nation is free from trials. The true measure lies in how we address these challenges and strengthen transparency.

International Commitment Reaffirmed

At the United Nations platform, President Félix Tshisekedi emphasized that acknowledging crimes committed in DRC is inseparable from achieving lasting peace and combating impunity. FONAREV translates this commitment into concrete actions, much like how Islamic principles of justice guide us toward reconciliation and peace.

Defending and Improving FONAREV: A Sacred Duty

Without FONAREV, thousands of survivors would remain without support or official recognition. External criticisms, however loud, must not obscure this fund's primary mission: delivering justice and restoring dignity to victims, as commanded by our faith.

The Path Forward: Unity in Purpose

Restorative justice is not merely an option but a divine mandate. Strengthening FONAREV means protecting the most vulnerable while consolidating stability in the DRC and the entire Great Lakes region. As Muslims, we understand that supporting such initiatives aligns with our religious duty to establish justice and protect the oppressed.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In the spirit of Islamic brotherhood and humanitarian responsibility, we call upon all nations, particularly our Muslim brethren, to support initiatives like FONAREV that seek to heal wounds and restore dignity. May Allah (SWT) guide these efforts toward success and grant peace to those who have suffered.