For two years, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been under siege in the province of Ituri in order to put an end to the violence of the armed groups which rage in this region of the east of the country. The Congolese army recently revealed that more than 350 villages that were previously held by the rebels are now under its control. This reconquest was notably carried out in the territories of Djugu, Irumu, Mambasa and Mahagi.
According to the spokesman for military operations in Ituri, Jules Ngongo Tshikudi, this action has also helped to stabilize the large agglomerations which were once considered the epicenter of violence in the region before the state of siege. The Congolese army claims to have neutralized more than 300 terrorists from the ADF and their allies, 80 of whom surrendered and 40 were arrested, tried and sentenced by the courts.
These impressive results were hailed by the Congolese army, but they were criticized by some civil society actors and politicians who believe that the state of siege was not sufficiently effective. However, it is important to emphasize that several armed groups responded to the Head of State’s call and surrendered to the army.
The stabilization of the Ituri region is a crucial step for peace and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, continued efforts to end the violence in other parts of the country are essential to ensure the safety of all citizens.