Title: Shooting in Sake: a sad reality of growing insecurity in Congo
Introduction :
On the evening of September 10, 2023, a shooting occurred in Sake, in the Kamuronza group in Masisi territory, leaving one victim and one injured. This incident joins a series of recent tragic events which reflect the growing insecurity in the region. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of this shooting and examine the broader implications of the current situation.
Sake’s drama:
According to testimonies from local civil society, the shooting occurred while an alleged member of the APCLS tried to force the door of an enclosure where young people were in dance rehearsal. An altercation broke out, resulting in bullets being fired which struck two young boys. Unfortunately, one of them did not survive his injuries, while the other is currently receiving medical treatment at the Sake Afia Health Center. This tragic incident demonstrates the insecurity that reigns in the region and raises questions about the security measures put in place to protect the population.
A persistent climate of insecurity:
The shooting in Sake comes just a few days after the assassination of a neighborhood chief in the same locality. These repeated acts of violence reflect an alarming situation where uncontrolled armed groups are proliferating, endangering the daily lives of residents. Civil society reacted strongly to these events, calling for urgent intervention from the authorities to remedy this increase in insecurity. One of the proposals put forward is the demilitarization of the city of Sake and the deployment of a military police unit to ensure the security of the population.
The consequences of past clashes:
Since clashes between M23 rebels and the Congolese army near Sake last March, the presence of self-defense groups and uncontrolled armed men has intensified in the Lake Masisi region. Civil society has always argued that these elements should be deployed in forward positions rather than remaining in densely populated population centers. This would reduce the risk of violent incidents and restore a climate of security for the residents of Sake.
Conclusion :
The shooting in Sake is unfortunately one tragic example among many others of the persistent insecurity plaguing the region. Recent events, including the assassination of a neighborhood chief, reflect an alarming reality that requires immediate action. It is imperative that the Congolese authorities take concrete measures to guarantee the safety of the inhabitants of Sake and put an end to this spiral of violence. It is also important that the population remains vigilant and that efforts are made to promote peace and stability in the region.