Supa-Kalau, a locality in the territory of Beni, is still emptied of its population despite the deployment of Congolese and Ugandan military forces to ensure its security. Mai Mai militiamen and Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels held the population in suspense for more than five years. Aware of the importance of the resumption of activities in the area, the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) responded positively to the call of the population. However, the absence of basic infrastructure and the destruction of houses during the clashes prevent the inhabitants from returning to their villages.
The meeting attended by the population and the military authorities took place in Kalingathe, the nearest village to Supa-Kalau, to discuss the current security situation and the planned return of the population. According to Katembo Mwaka Zephirin, a local notable, several infrastructures were destroyed during the clashes between the militiamen and the rebels, in particular the health center of Supa-Kalau, the largest structure in the area.
Supa-Kalau is a strategic area for rebel attacks against the town of Beni and large towns, given that it is located more than 12 km south of this town and straddles the Mwalika valley, an important focus of the ADF. This is why the UPDF was asked to support the FARDC (Armed Forces of the DRC) in the operations against the ADF rebels and thus allow the inhabitants of the locality to return to their peaceful life.
It is important for the population of Supa-Kalau to return to their villages and to rebuild the basic infrastructures there so that the return to normal life is effective. Wildlife conservation initiatives in the region are commendable, but security and reconstruction are prerequisites for any development initiative