Title: The spoliation of state houses in Bukavu: an alarming phenomenon that requires collective action
Introduction :
The city of Bukavu, located in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, faces a growing problem of dispossession of state-owned homes. Over the past decade, around 45 homes have been illegally taken over, while around 20 others are under threat. This practice of dispossession highlights the complicity of corrupt officials, including political authorities, magistrates and land agents. Civil society is calling for general mobilization to put an end to this alarming situation.
Development :
A well-organized network of spoliators:
Civil society in Bukavu revealed that Congolese state officials are involved in the despoliation of homes. Political authorities, magistrates and land agents are complicit in these criminal acts. Some magistrates manipulate judgments to facilitate dispossession, while local politicians, responsible for managing the province, allow these illegal practices. Crooked law firms and mineral traders are also taking advantage of the situation by acquiring these stolen goods.
Around twenty houses threatened:
In addition to the houses already despoiled, civil society has also reported around twenty other houses which are currently in danger. Spoilers are fabricating false judgments to dispossess the State of its property. If nothing is done, the Congolese state risks losing precious heritage. It is therefore urgent to act to put an end to these criminal practices.
Mobilization of all:
Faced with this alarming situation, civil society in Bukavu calls for the mobilization of all. It is necessary for the local population, civil society organizations, relevant authorities and judicial institutions to work together to combat the dispossession of state homes. Strict measures must be taken to identify and prosecute those involved in these criminal acts, in order to restore order and protect state assets.
Denial from provincial authorities:
Questioned by Radio Okapi, the provincial government denies any responsibility for the spoliations of state houses in Bukavu. The provincial governor claims not to be involved and challenges anyone to provide proof of their participation. However, civil society insists on the role of local politicians in the management of the province and calls for a more in-depth investigation to unmask the accomplices.
Conclusion :
The dispossession of state houses in Bukavu is a worrying problem that requires collective action. The complicity of corrupt officials in these criminal acts endangers the heritage of the Congolese state. It is essential that civil society, competent authorities and judicial institutions join forces to put an end to this illegal practice. Strict measures must be taken to punish those responsible and protect state assets. The fight against the dispossession of state houses in Bukavu is a crucial issue for the preservation of heritage and for social justice.