For several years, the province of Ituri in the north-east of the DRC has been the scene of violent clashes between different local armed groups. Faced with this worrying situation, the Congolese government has decided to organize an inter-armed group dialogue in May 2023 to try to find a political solution to this crisis.
This dialogue, which will bring together armed groups such as the Patriotic and Integrationist Force of Congo (FPIC), the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), MAPI and the Patriotic Resistance Force of Ituri (FRPI) will be held in the territory of ‘Aru, not far from Bunia.
The main objective of this dialogue is to allow the various local armed groups to express themselves on the security situation in the province and to discuss the measures to be taken to achieve lasting peace. Community leaders are also invited to participate in these meetings to promote an inclusive and participatory approach.
To ensure the success of this meeting, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) will provide logistical and technical support. The province’s military governor also called on armed groups to “disarm their hearts” to give peace a chance.
Although this dialogue is an important step in resolving the crisis that has rocked Ituri for several years, it remains to be seen whether the various armed groups will be ready to make concessions and find common ground. Indeed, the resolution of this crisis will require the commitment of all and collective efforts to build lasting peace in Ituri.