The visit of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, to Bunia, was an opportunity for the governor of Ituri, Johnny Luboya N’kashama, to issue an ultimatum to the armed groups operating in his territory. In a strong speech, the governor threatened to sue armed groups that continue to commit abuses against the local population.
According to Johnny Luboya N’kashama, the visit of prosecutor Karim Khan to Ituri is a strong message for the executioners who believe they are above the law by committing crimes against civilian populations. The governor also stressed the importance of ending impunity and human rights violations in this volatile region.
Likely to be prosecuted by international justice, the various armed groups which continue to sow terror on the territory of Ituri have now been warned: the local government and the armed forces may resume military operations at any time.
However, the military governor has also offered an opportunity for dialogue to armed groups that would like to end the violence and join the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization (P-DDRCS) programme.
This visit by the ICC prosecutor to Ituri is an opportunity for the Congolese authorities to send a clear message to the armed groups: the abuses committed against the civilian population will not go unpunished. However, efforts must also be made to put in place mechanisms for dialogue and stabilization in this troubled region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.