News in the DRC: Conflicts persist in the east of the country despite the departure of the M23 rebels
Since the announced departure of the M23 rebels last April, the inhabitants of eastern DRC have experienced renewed tension and insecurity. Far from being synonymous with the end of hostilities, this departure allowed the proliferation of militias in the area, which greatly worries the local populations.
In the territory of Masisi, the inhabitants report looting, robberies and thefts of all kinds. The proliferation of armed groups has led to an increase in the level of insecurity in the region. Local herders also report the death or theft of thousands of cows by militias.
Despite the efforts of the Congolese army to restore order, the lack of effective security mechanisms makes the region vulnerable to new attacks. This is why some local officials plead for the establishment of a well-defined security system to protect the population and property.
In North Kivu, government forces also recently neutralized six ADF jihadist rebels and managed to recover weapons of war.
Beyond this violence, the economic and social situation in the DRC remains worrying. The opposition is sounding the alarm on the challenges to be met to improve the living conditions of the population. In this context, the signing of a roadmap by four armed groups in Lituri to end hostilities is a beacon of hope for a region marked by conflict for years.
Faced with these challenges, the international community must continue to support the DRC in its efforts to establish peace and security in the country.