The return of displaced people to Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a beacon of hope in a region once devastated by violence. According to the Governor of Ituri, Lieutenant-General Johnny Luboya, more than 430,000 people have returned to their villages of origin since the beginning of the year.
This positive trend is the result of a significant decrease in violence perpetrated by armed groups since March. While the security situation has improved in most Ituri entities, many displaced people have found the courage to return home.
According to the data provided by the provincial authorities, the gradual return movement concerns the five territories of Ituri. About 226,000 people have already returned to Djugu, 109,000 have returned to Irumu, 74,000 to Mahagi and 19,000 to Mambasa.
These figures are encouraging, but should not make us forget that the humanitarian situation remains worrying. The province of Ituri still has 1,738,000 displaced persons, including 7,311 refugees from Sudan who are in the Biringi site in the Aru territory.
These disaster victims live in difficult conditions and need emergency assistance. Humanitarians stressed the need to provide adequate support during a recent meeting with the head of MONUSCO, Bintou Keita.
The return of the displaced is a crucial step in the process of stabilizing the region. However, it is important to ensure that these returns take place under safe and sustainable conditions. This requires strengthening security, rehabilitating infrastructure and setting up reintegration programs to enable people to rebuild their lives.
In conclusion, the return of displaced people to Ituri province is a beacon of hope for a region that has been hard hit by the violence. However, it is essential to continue to support these vulnerable populations in order to offer them a better future