The presence of armed militias in certain regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to be a major concern for the civilian population. Recently, civil society in Kwamouth drew attention to the presence of a militia leader named “general cobra” in the area. This information was relayed through a humanitarian structure which transmitted a message from the militia leader asking for reconciliation with the other inhabitants of the region, with the aim of putting an end to the community conflicts which have been raging for a year.
However, the president of the local civil society stressed that the population cannot reconcile directly with the armed militiamen. He insisted that this initiative should be taken by the Congolese state in order to ensure peace and security in the region. According to him, the militia leader continues to operate freely in the villages of Kwamouth, which represents a threat to the population.
Faced with this situation, civil society demands that the State organize a peacekeeping mission to guarantee everyone’s safety. She asserts that the state must take action to impose peace in the region, as it is above all and has a duty to protect its citizens.
This is not the first time that the militia leader “General Cobra” has been talked about. A few weeks ago, he reportedly took members of the Red Cross in the area hostage. In a letter addressed to a Red Cross official, he indicates that he freed them without violence and asks for a sum of money via mobile money.
This situation highlights the complexity of the security situation in certain parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite the efforts made by humanitarian actors and civil society, it is necessary for the State to take concrete measures to restore peace and security in these regions and guarantee the protection of civilian populations.
It is essential that the situation be closely monitored and that action be taken to put an end to the activities of the armed militias and restore stability to these areas