The security situation is increasingly worrying in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. For more than two years, a state of siege has been in place in this region, but this measure continues to be criticized by the population and the Catholic Church. Archbishop Willy Ngumbi, citing the Church’s concern over the state of siege, told a press conference that the Catholic Church is questioning the authorities about the assessment of the lifting of the state of siege. According to him, nothing has changed on the security level and the situation is a “disappointment”.
Lately, attacks have multiplied, like the one that took place in Museya, where nine civilians were killed, several kidnapped and another injured. The provinces of Rutshuru and Goma also saw fighting between self-defense groups and the M23, while the Congolese army warned of the reinforcement of M23 terrorists by Rwandan soldiers.
This situation prompted the authorities to examine the means to be implemented to improve security in the region. Despite this, insecurity continues to gain ground and the peace so long hoped for by the populations is still not at the rendezvous.
It is essential that the authorities renew their efforts to put an end to the insecurity in this region. People continue to live in fear, which is not acceptable. The government must show firmness and put in place an effective strategy to guarantee peace and security in eastern DRC.
Meanwhile, people in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri continue to hope, despite their disappointment, that this situation will end soon. Expectations are high and the authorities must do everything possible to meet the needs of these populations.