Return of displaced people to their villages in Ituri: a sign of hope for the region
In a context marked by armed conflicts and violence, Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing renewed hope with the gradual return of more than 430,000 displaced people to their villages of origin since the beginning of the year.
According to the Governor of Ituri, Lieutenant-General Johnny Luboya, this trend is explained by a significant decrease in violence by armed groups since last March. Local authorities report a relative lull in the five territories of the region, notably in Djugu, Irumu, Mahagi and Mambasa.
This return movement of displaced persons is a beacon of hope for a population that has lived in difficult and precarious conditions. Humanitarians stress the need for emergency aid for these affected people, who need support to rebuild their lives and their communities.
However, despite this encouraging progress, we should not remain blind to the challenges that still persist. Ituri still has more than 1.7 million displaced people, including thousands of Sudanese refugees settled in the territory of Aru.
It is therefore essential that the authorities continue to work in collaboration with humanitarian actors to ensure the security, protection and necessary support for these vulnerable populations. The consolidation of peace, the rehabilitation of infrastructure and access to basic services must also be at the heart of the efforts deployed.
This return of the displaced to their villages of origin is a sign of hope for Ituri and testifies to the resilience of the Congolese people