Title: Insecurity in Beni: an urgent call for the restoration of peace
Introduction :
The insecurity plaguing Beni and its surroundings, in the province of North Kivu, is a matter of deep concern. The Organization of Women Lawyers for the Rights of Women and Children has launched a poignant appeal to the authorities and their partners to put an end to this situation. Isabelle Namwezi, a member of this organization, expresses the disastrous consequences of this insecurity on the daily lives of the women of Beni. In this article, we will take a closer look at the situation and the urgent call to restore peace.
Consequences on the women of Beni:
The ongoing insecurity in Beni has devastating repercussions on the lives of women in the region. Attacks and massacres perpetrated by armed groups have caused women to turn inward and abandon their subsistence activities. Previously, these women were able to send their children to school thanks to their agricultural production and their small businesses. Today, they live in constant fear of being ambushed and deprived of their means of survival.
A call for the restoration of peace:
Faced with this dramatic situation, the Organization of Women Lawyers for the Rights of Women and Children launched an appeal for the restoration of peace in Beni. They ask the authorities and their partners to take concrete measures to combat insecurity and track down the armed groups responsible for the attacks. The women of Beni aspire to live in peace, like their peers in other regions of the country.
Initiatives to combat insecurity:
To strengthen the resilience of the women of Beni and involve them in the restoration of peace, various initiatives have been put in place. Recently, training on techniques and strategies to combat insecurity was organized by the Women’s Collective for Integral Development and Peacebuilding (COFEDIP), with the support of MONUSCO. This training aimed to arm participants by providing them with the necessary knowledge to actively contribute to the restoration of peace.
Conclusion :
Insecurity in Beni continues to weigh heavily on the lives of women in the region. The current situation prevents them from living in peace and providing for the needs of their families. It is essential that the authorities and their partners take urgent measures to end this insecurity and restore peace to Beni. Training and awareness initiatives are a step in the right direction, but more decisive action must be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of women in Beni. It is time to face this reality and work together for a peaceful future for all.