The inhabitants of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are faced with an increasingly alarming situation. The departure of the M23 rebels announced last April did not mean the end of the conflict. On the contrary, the militias are now taking up more and more space, much to the dismay of the villagers. According to a report by Human Rights Watch, the latter are multiplying in the region, and have even joined forces with certain government forces to repel the M23 rebels.
“Before, it was a bit calm, but with the latest clashes, the displaced and the presence of armed men and government forces, it has increased the level of insecurity,” said a local authority. The number of lootings, robberies or thefts has exploded in recent months, involving militias and government forces. The populations accuse these groups of having looted their property in a region where agriculture is highly developed.
Due to the proliferation of these militias, the Masisi region requires exceptional security mechanisms so that the population and property are protected, underlines Téléphore Mithondeke, civil society rapporteur for the territory of Masisi. According to the association of breeders in North Kivu, more than 10,000 cows were killed or stolen by militiamen in Masisi and Rutshuru. The security situation in eastern DRC shows how vulnerable the population is and how much effort is needed to ensure their protection