The governor of Ituri province, Lieutenant-General Johnny Luboya N’kashama, took advantage of the visit of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, to issue an ultimatum to the armed groups that are rampant in his region. In recent times, these armed groups have increased their acts of violence against the civilian population. Johnny Luboya N’kashama warned that any armed group refusing to stop its abuses will face national and international justice. It is therefore a strong signal that the governor wanted to send to the executioners who thought they were free by committing crimes against innocent people.
During his speech, the governor stressed the will to put an end to impunity and the violation of human rights. It offered an opportunity for armed groups to end their violence by accepting dialogue and joining the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization (P-DDRCS) programme. Otherwise, these groups would be prosecuted.
This ultimatum is a response to the violence that has been raging in the Ituri region for several years. Armed groups continue to perpetrate atrocities there against the civilian population, despite several attempts to disarm. The Governor of Ituri has therefore decided to adopt a firm position in order to put an end to this situation.
In conclusion, the Governor of Ituri sent a strong message that leaves no doubt about his determination to put an end to impunity and the violation of human rights. Armed groups now have the choice between ceasing their violent activities or facing national and international justice. This firm position is also a response to the visit of the prosecutor Karim Khan and underlines the will of the Congolese authorities to put an end to the insecurity which prevails in certain regions of the country.