The security situation in Beni, in the province of North Kivu, continues to be of concern. For years, the ADF rebels have sown terror in the region by regularly attacking the civilian population. Despite the military operations carried out by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) for more than four years, the attacks continue and the toll is heavy.
According to the local Nouvelle Société Civile, 15 civilians have been killed in the Rwenzori area in the past few days. Twelve people were killed in Bukokoma village near Nzenga Kasusu, including four women, five men and four children. Three other people were killed in Kalivula and Kyandengi.
This new wave of attacks is a new blow for the population of the region, already hard hit by the conflict. Schools are closed, which has a negative impact on the education of children.
The situation in the region is difficult to manage for the local authorities, who are struggling to ensure the safety of the populations. The military operations launched by the FARDC have not yet succeeded in eradicating the ADF threat.
This situation is also detrimental for the whole country, which is struggling to develop due to the persistent insecurity in certain regions. The solution can only be found through a joint effort by the authorities, civil society and the population to fight against these armed groups and restore security in the country.
It is time to break the cycle of violence in the Beni region and help people return to normal life. This requires the mobilization of all the active forces of the country to eradicate the ADF threat and guarantee the safety of the populations.