Title: “The DRC celebrates the reconquest of more than 350 villages at the end of two years of the state of siege in the province of Ituri”
For two years, the Democratic Republic of Congo has implemented a state of siege in the province of Ituri to fight against the armed groups that are rampant in the region. And the latest figures from the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) attest to its effectiveness: more than 350 villages formerly controlled by the rebels are now under FARDC control.
This was revealed by Lieutenant Jules Ngongo Tshikudi, spokesperson for military operations in Ituri and the military governor, in a document sent to POLITICO.CD on May 11. The villages in question are in the territories of Djugu, Irumu, Mambasa and Mahagi. These territories, considered epicenters of violence, have been stabilized thanks to the reconquest of these villages.
To achieve this objective, the Congolese army carried out several military operations and neutralized more than 300 ADF terrorists and allies. They also succeeded in surrendering 80 terrorists and arresting, trying, and convicting 40 others. Several armed groups responded to the appeal launched by the Head of State and surrendered to the army.
If the assessment of the military operations carried out during this period is positive, it is important to note that the actors of civil society, as well as certain politicians, deplore the ineffectiveness of this special security measure. However, the Congolese army continues to welcome this record and is still working towards the complete pacification of the region.
In conclusion, the reconquest of more than 350 villages in the province of Ituri is a real success for the Congolese army, which was thus able to stabilize the territories formerly controlled by armed groups. Although there is still work to be done to completely pacify the region, this progress is good news for the local populations who have suffered for too long from the violence.