The APCLS militiamen recently made a name for themselves by taking away more than 100 cows belonging to the local population of Katuunda, in the territory of Masisi in North Kivu. This act of theft was perpetrated in the early afternoon during a patrol of the attackers in the region.
Local sources indicate that these cows were taken from their herdsmen in retaliation. APCLS militiamen accuse the populations of these villages of colluding with other armed groups, such as the PARECO faction led by Sendugu Museveni and a faction of the Kifuafua militia led by self-proclaimed generals Maachano and Birikoriko.
The incident has raised concern in the region, where several armed groups operate and security is precarious. Territorial Youth Council President Lwambo Mufuni says it is difficult to draw a definitive toll on the alleged looting, but investigations are underway to shed light on the incident.
The security situation in North Kivu remains worrying, with the presence of numerous armed groups which continue to sow terror in the region. Cattle rustling has become commonplace, causing significant economic losses for the already vulnerable local population.
It is essential that the competent authorities intensify their efforts to restore security in the region and protect local communities from the violent actions of armed groups. Measures must also be taken to combat cattle rustling, in order to avoid disastrous consequences for the local economy and the well-being of the inhabitants.
It is time to act in a concrete way to guarantee security and sustainable development in North Kivu, by putting an end to the criminal activities of the militias and by providing assistance to the local communities affected by these acts of violence. People deserve to live in a safe environment, where they can go about their daily activities without fearing for their life and property.
In conclusion, the theft of cows perpetrated by APCLS militiamen in Masisi territory is a tragic example of the consequences of insecurity in the North Kivu region. It is imperative that action be taken to restore security, protect local communities and end these acts of violence which have a devastating impact on their daily lives