In the province of Haut-Uele, more precisely in Durba, socio-economic activities have been paralyzed following a call launched by the synergy of local civil societies. Indeed, the latter decreed two days of “dead city” in order to claim the recovery of the 61 million dollars embezzled by the provincial government, according to a report by the IGF, as well as the reduction of conventional taxes which weigh heavily on the population.
From the mining town of Durba to the capital of Watsa territory, shops, stores and markets remained closed. This peaceful mobilization was widely followed, with respect estimated at around 90% for the slogan of the synergy of civil societies. Residents understood the importance of this legitimate claim and opted for a peaceful protest, without roadblocks or slip-ups.
Mbari Constant-Etienne, president of the civil society sub-coordination of Congo at the Kibali sector, spoke about the situation saying: “People are so calm. They have obeyed, there is no road barricade and skidding. We believe that people will do the same here so that our claim respects the laws of the country.” He also called on the population to maintain this peaceful attitude until the reopening of activities, stressing the importance of fiscal incivility.
This mobilization in Durba illustrates the will of the population to make their voices heard and to hold politicians to account. Misappropriation of funds and excessive tax pressure are all issues that directly impact the daily lives of the region’s inhabitants. The synergy of civil societies thus plays a vital role in defending the interests of the population and calling for concrete measures to fight corruption and improve living conditions.
It is essential to emphasize that this peaceful mobilization is a proof of maturity on the part of the population of Durba. It also demonstrates the ability to organize and advocate in a civic manner that respects the laws of the country. This collective awareness is an important step towards the quest for positive change and better governance in the region.
It is to be hoped that the legitimate demands of the population of Durba will be heard and taken into account by the competent authorities. The fight against corruption and the reduction of unjust taxes are crucial issues for the socio-economic development of the region. The synergy of civil societies continues its fight for transparency and fairness, and the population remains determined to assert its rights.
The “dead city” in Durba is a concrete example of the power of citizen mobilization. Civil societies have an essential role to play in defending people’s rights and promoting more accountable and transparent governance. This action should serve as an inspiration for other communities who wish to make their voices heard and obtain positive changes in their environment.
The future of Durba and Haut-Uele will depend on the joint efforts of the authorities, local actors and the population to build a better, fairer and more prosperous future. The ongoing mobilization is a step in the right direction and it is important to continue supporting these initiatives to ensure real positive change in the region