News of July 21, 2023: Serial arrests following an alleged embezzlement in the province of Ituri
An embezzlement scandal has shaken Ituri province in recent days, highlighting possible embezzlement within the framework of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (PDDRC-S).
On Thursday July 20, 2023, Mrs. Esther Maturu, in charge of Finance within the PDDRC-S structure in Ituri, was violently arrested by the police, before being released a few hours later. This is the second arrest in a short time, since the provincial coordinator, Willy Abibu, had also been arrested recently and remains untraceable.
This situation, which involves PDDRC-S officials, is a serious setback for the process of disarming armed groups in Ituri. According to some sources, this blockage was due to a lack of funds.
It is essential to shed light on these possible embezzlements, because they undermine the effectiveness of disarmament programs and threaten the stability of the region. The authorities must act quickly and decisively to investigate these allegations and bring those responsible to justice.
The importance of transparent and accountable management of funds allocated to development and stabilization programs should also be underlined. The population’s trust in the institutions and structures in charge of implementing these programs is essential to ensure their success.
In conclusion, the alleged embezzlement within the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program in Ituri is a worrying matter that highlights the need for rigorous management of financial resources. It is crucial that those responsible are held accountable for their actions, in order to maintain the confidence of the citizens in the stabilization and development programs of the region.