Displaced civilians in the Babyali-Tchabi chiefdom in Irumu territory, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, face significant difficulties in returning to their villages. Since 2020, these people have been forced to leave their homes due to the clashes and acts of violence that have ravaged the region. Currently, many displaced people are in Komanda, in the Walendu-Bindi chiefdom and in Bunia, the neighboring town.
Étienne Babanilau, head of the Babyali-Tchabi chiefdom, insisted on the need to intervene urgently to facilitate the return of these people to their locality of origin. He pointed out that the population of seven villages is unable to return to their homes due to transport difficulties. He therefore appealed to the provincial government to take the necessary measures to transport these civilians to Tchabi.
The security situation in several villages is currently relatively calm, which reinforces the desire of the displaced to return home. These communities have been forced to flee repeated incursions by Ugandan terrorists from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and their accomplices. The Banyali-Tchabi chiefdom was abandoned for two years before residents began to gradually return to their lands at the end of 2022.
It is essential to put in place concrete measures to facilitate the return of displaced persons and support them in their resettlement process. This involves guaranteeing their safety and providing adequate means of transport to bring them back to their villages. It is also crucial to take into account their needs in terms of reconstruction and humanitarian assistance in order to promote sustainable reintegration in their community of origin.
The situation of the displaced in the Babyali-Tchabi chiefdom is representative of the humanitarian and security challenges facing many regions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is essential that provincial and national authorities work together to find lasting solutions and improve the living conditions of these vulnerable populations.
The return of displaced people to their villages is a crucial step in promoting stability and development in the region. This will allow communities to rebuild their lives and revitalize the local economy. It is therefore incumbent on political and humanitarian actors to actively engage in meeting the urgent needs of these displaced civilians and working towards their return in dignified and secure conditions