Title: Resumption of violence in Ituri: an alarming situation which calls for immediate action
Introduction :
The province of Ituri, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is once again facing an outbreak of violence between armed groups. Recent attacks in the villages of the chiefdoms of Bahema-Badjere, Mabendi and Walendu Djatsi have caused the death of many people and many others injured. This resumption of hostilities highlights the persistent challenges to security and stability in the region. In this article, we will examine the causes of this escalation of violence and the measures necessary to remedy them.
Deadly reprisals:
The armed attacks that took place in Ituri were perpetrated by the armed groups URDPC/CODECO and Zaire, in a series of reprisals. These violent clashes go against the commitment these groups made during a previous meeting in Aru. This situation raises concerns about the real desire of armed groups to support the ongoing peace process in the region.
Community reactions:
Hema and Lendu community leaders strongly condemned these attacks, stressing the importance of prioritizing peaceful cohesion and supporting pacification efforts. Their call for reconciliation and the search for peaceful solutions illustrates the determination of local actors to put an end to violence and establish lasting peace.
Political views:
The situation in Ituri also provokes reactions from the political class. National deputy Gratien de Saint-Nicolas Iracan, executive of Ensemble pour la République, and Paul Babangu, national deputy and deputy secretary general of BUREC, expressed their concern about the recent escalation of violence. They emphasize the need for rapid action by the authorities to restore security and stability in the region.
Academic expertise:
Chober Agenonga, professor at the University of Kisangani and specialist in security, geopolitics and military sociology, provides academic insight into the situation in Ituri. Its expertise helps to better understand the factors underlying armed conflicts in the region and to consider lasting solutions to end the violence.
Conclusion :
The resumption of violence in Ituri is an alarming reminder of the persistent challenges the region faces in terms of security and stability. Recent armed attacks highlight the need for immediate action to restore peace and protect civilian populations. The different reactions of community leaders, political actors and academic experts show everyone’s desire to put an end to this violence and build a peaceful future for Ituri.. The situation in Ituri deserves our full attention and support to prevent further human losses and promote the construction of a more peaceful and harmonious society.