The security situation in Ituri has seen remarkable improvements thanks to the joint operations carried out by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). This improvement has enabled the return of many displaced persons, particularly in the localities of Tchabi and Boga, located in the territory of Irumu. The governor of the province, Lieutenant General Jhonny Luboya, made the statement during a meeting with the head of MONUSCO, Bintou Keita, also stressing the importance of consolidating this relative peace.
The joint efforts of the FARDC and MONUSCO have led to significant progress in terms of security in several entities of the province. The local communities were able to return to their places of origin, in particular in the chiefdoms of Bahema Boga and Banyari Tchabi, located south of Irumu. In other places, such as Idohu, where MONUSCO established and then closed a temporary base, the displaced have begun to return to their homes.
Governor Luboya stresses the importance of community dialogues and negotiations between armed group leaders to achieve lasting peace. Concrete examples of these negotiations can be seen in Aru, where the signing of a peace protocol helped restore stability.
In addition to military actions, military justice also plays an essential role by issuing arrest warrants against militia leaders. Some of them have already been arrested and others have been neutralized by the armed forces. Bintou Keita welcomes the consideration of the judicial aspect in the search for peace and undertakes, with Governor Luboya, to consolidate the progress made through the strengthening of existing measures and the establishment of new mechanisms for a lasting peace in Ituri.
With this in mind, a joint operations center between the FARDC and MONUSCO was created and was visited by the two officials. This enhanced coordination aims to continue to fight against armed groups and ensure lasting peace in the region.
The security situation in Ituri is gradually improving, offering hope for lasting peace and the return of displaced populations. The joint efforts of military forces and the judiciary, supported by the international community, are essential to guarantee stability and tranquility in the region. The consolidation of these advances and the continued commitment to dialogue and justice are key elements in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for Ituri