Fight against the impunity of armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo
During his May 30 visit to Bunia, Karim Khan, prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), sent a strong message to the armed groups operating in the Ituri region in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The province’s military governor, Lt. Gen. Johnny Luboya N’kashama, went further by issuing an ultimatum to groups that persist in abuses against the civilian population: end the violence or face national and international justice.
This visit by the ICC prosecutor comes as the DRC is facing growing insecurity in several of its provinces, particularly in Ituri and North Kivu, where armed groups are spreading terror and desolation.
The governor of Ituri has offered an opportunity for armed groups to accept dialogue and join the disarmament, demobilization, community recovery and stabilization (P-DDRCS) program if they are not prosecuted. For those who continue to resist, military operations will be launched to enforce the rights of the civilian population.
The year 2023 is an election year in the DRC and the security situation is a crucial issue for the holding of elections in peaceful conditions. The fight against insecurity and impunity of armed groups must be a priority to guarantee lasting stability in the country