To:
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
365 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L1
Canada
Cc:
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
National Security Enforcement Section
Gatineau Police Service
590 Boulevard Gréber
Gatineau, QC J8T 8B1
Canada
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Dear Sir/Madam,
I write to you in my capacity as President of the Great Lakes Youth Humanitarian Circle Initiative, to submit this formal complaint and request for investigation regarding the alleged involvement of Mr. Willy Manzi, a Canadian resident reportedly living in Gatineau, Quebec, in armed activities linked to the M23 rebel movement operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The individual in question is reported to reside at the following address:
177 Victor-Beaudry Street
Gatineau, QC J9H 7K3
Canada
Publicly available records indicate that the property is valued at approximately CAD $470,600, under a 25-year mortgage loan.
According to testimonies from individuals who requested anonymity due to security concerns, Mr. Willy Manzi has allegedly traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo and associated himself with the M23 armed group, which has been repeatedly accused by international organizations of carrying out attacks against civilians in eastern Congo.
Several witnesses have further indicated that Mr. Manzi allegedly stated his intention to return to Canada in the future and resolve his mortgage obligations after engaging in activities in the conflict zone.
These allegations raise serious concerns under Canadian law, particularly given Canada's longstanding commitment to international humanitarian law, human rights protection, and the prevention of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Canada has clear legal frameworks governing such conduct.
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, several provisions may apply if the allegations are substantiated:
Section 83.18 — Participation in activity of a terrorist group.
Section 83.19 — Facilitating terrorist activity.
Section 83.2 and 83.21 — Commission of offences for terrorist groups and providing support or services to such groups.
In addition, the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act (S.C. 2000, c.24) gives Canadian authorities jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute individuals who are suspected of involvement in war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide, even when such crimes occur outside Canadian territory.
Furthermore, Section 6 of the Canadian Citizenship Act and Canada's broader legal framework emphasize that Canadian citizenship carries responsibilities consistent with the values of peace, respect for human dignity, and adherence to international law.
The M23 armed movement has been the subject of multiple international investigations. Reports by the United Nations Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo, submitted to the UN Security Council, have documented allegations against the group including:
Attacks against civilian populations
Mass displacement of communities
Recruitment of fighters
Sexual violence against women
Killings of civilians, including children
These findings have been cited in reports submitted to the UN Security Council under Resolution 1533, which monitors armed groups operating in eastern Congo.
If a Canadian resident or citizen is involved in organizing, financing, participating in, or supporting such armed groups, the matter falls squarely within the jurisdiction of Canadian law enforcement and national security authorities.
For this reason, we respectfully request that:
1. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) review the status and activities of Mr. Willy Manzi under Canadian law.
2. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) open a preliminary inquiry into the allegations of involvement in armed activities abroad.
3. Local authorities in Gatineau, Quebec, examine the matter within their jurisdiction and cooperate with federal authorities where appropriate.
Beyond the legal dimension, this issue also raises a broader moral concern. Canada has long been respected internationally as a nation committed to peacekeeping, human rights, and international justice. It is therefore essential that allegations of this magnitude involving individuals residing in Canada be examined carefully and transparently.
We also respectfully call upon the citizens of Canada, civil society organizations, and human rights advocates to encourage their government and institutions to ensure that Canadian laws are applied consistently and that no individual residing in Canada uses the country as a safe base while participating in violent conflicts abroad.
The people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly those in the eastern provinces who continue to endure cycles of violence, deserve justice, accountability, and the protection of international law.
We therefore respectfully urge Canadian authorities to review this matter and take any appropriate legal steps if the allegations are substantiated.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Respectfully submitted,
Lionçeau Claudien
President
Great Lakes Youth Humanitarian Circle Initiative
Quartier Gombe, Kinshasa
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