The security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is worrying. The border town of Bunagana, located in the Jomba groupement, in Rutshuru territory, has not been under the control of the Congolese authorities since June 13, 2022. Occupied for a year by the March 23 Movement (M23), supported by Rwanda, this strategic city is under the control of the rebels. Despite the presence of elements of the EAC (East African Community) Regional Force, cohabitation with the rebels is worrying, especially since the rate of kidnappings and looting is on the rise, particularly in Rutshuru.
The provincial authorities of North Kivu had prohibited the transit of goods through the Bunagana customs post since its occupation by the M23, which has consequences for economic activity in the region. The authorities are calling for new military operations to liberate localities in the territories of Rutshuru, Masisi and Nyiragongo from the hands of the M23.
Faced with this situation, members of the population took the decision to leave the region and take refuge in Uganda to escape the violence. Some locals spend the day in Bunagana but sleep in Uganda.
The M23 is supposed to withdraw from the areas conquered since last March, but this withdrawal remains utopian. The rebellion has just stripped a few entities around which it remains present all the same.
The EAC force, instead of fighting the rebels as stipulated in its mandate, coexists with them, thus reaching relative impotence. This situation is intolerable for the Kinshasa government, which expects concrete action from the regional force to restore the authority of the State.
Faced with a situation of humanitarian distress, the NGO Badilika calls the attention of national and international opinion and invites the authorities to take strong measures to bring peace to this part of the country.