Title: Raising awareness of the cessation of hostilities in Djugu (Ituri): Traditional authorities mobilize militiamen for peace
Introduction :
In a territory marked by years of insecurity and violence, the traditional authorities of Djugu, in Ituri, took the initiative of raising awareness among the militiamen about the cessation of hostilities and integration into the peace process. This awareness campaign, which took place on October 11 and 12 in Mbau and Kobu, brought together thousands of residents who expressed their support for this approach. In this article, we detail the actions carried out by traditional leaders and the importance of this campaign for the stability of the region.
Traditional authorities committed to peace:
Faced with the persistence of violence in the territory of Djugu, traditional leaders decided to take matters into their own hands. Having noticed that some militiamen were hiding within local communities, they decided to raise awareness among them about the cessation of hostilities. This approach aims to remind the militiamen of the commitment they signed last June in Aru to definitively end the fighting. The traditional authorities insisted on the importance of silencing the guns and waiting for the effectiveness of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, and Community Reconciliation (DDRCS) program.
A call for peaceful cohabitation and support from the authorities:
In addition to raising awareness among militiamen, traditional leaders also pleaded in favor of peaceful cohabitation between local communities. The Djugu region has experienced intercommunity tensions, marked by deadly clashes. Traditional authorities therefore recalled the importance of reconciliation and mutual respect to promote lasting stability.
At the same time, traditional leaders also called on residents to support the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in the restoration of state authority in the territory of Djugu. This is a call to the population to actively engage in the pacification of the region by collaborating with the security forces.
A campaign which is deployed throughout the territory of Djugu:
The awareness campaign initiated by traditional authorities does not stop in Mbau and Kobu. Other entities in the Djugu territory, such as Ngbasiba, Goba Njauda, Tsoro, Bambou, Lipri and Ngangaray, are also affected by this initiative. Traditional leaders plan to organize awareness sessions in these localities in order to involve as many militiamen and local communities as possible in the peace process.
Conclusion :
This awareness campaign led by the traditional authorities of Djugu in Ituri is of crucial importance for the stabilization of the region. By mobilizing militiamen for a cessation of hostilities and advocating peaceful cohabitation between communities, traditional leaders demonstrate their commitment to peace and reconciliation. Let us hope that these actions will encourage the militia to lay down their arms, thus promoting the return of the displaced, the relaunch of economic and agricultural activities, and the establishment of lasting peace in the territory of Djugu.