Ituri, one of the provinces most affected by the violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, saw some hope born on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Indeed, four of the local armed groups operating in the region signed a important memorandum of understanding in the capital of the territory of Aru, in the presence of high dignitaries of the country, representatives of MONUSCO, members of civil society and local administration.
In this historic agreement, the armed groups undertook to cease all violence against civilians, to ensure the free movement of people and their goods, to facilitate the return of displaced persons, to no longer circulate with weapons or military indicators, to integrate community disarmament and reintegration processes (P-DDRCS) and others. In addition to this, they said they were available and ready to participate in the defense of their homeland as well as to respect the legal texts in this area.
This agreement represents a glimmer of hope for the population of Ituri who have suffered the incessant violence of these armed groups. However, it is important to stress that it is still at the commitment stage, and that it will take action to truly deliver a new era of peace and stability to the region. Civil society representatives therefore remain vigilant and are waiting to see if these commitments will be kept on the ground.
The governor of the province of Ituri, having affixed his signature to this agreement, does not hide his satisfaction and his optimism. He believes that the solution will only come from the Iturians and that this agreement is a first step towards the pacification of the region.
However, some opposition members, such as provincial deputy Mugisa Byarufu, elected in the Djugu region, are more skeptical. For them, as long as these militiamen are protected by the government, the population will not really be able to find peace. They therefore call for these armed groups to be forced to lay down their arms and to answer for their actions before the courts.
In short, this signing of an agreement is an important step towards ending the violence in Ituri, but there is still a long way to go until the region regains the peace and prosperity it deserves.