Title: Kamituga in the DRC: the population mobilized against growing insecurity
Introduction :
The town of Kamituga, located in the province of South Kivu in the east of the DRC, was the scene of a “dead” town day on Monday October 23, 2023. The population, supported by different social and political layers, mobilized to protest against the growing insecurity plaguing the region. This article returns to this mobilization and underlines the importance of security for the socio-economic development of the city.
Paralyzed activities to say no to insecurity:
All day of October 23, socio-economic activities were paralyzed in Kamituga. Residents responded to the call for a “dead” city day launched by the organizers of the mobilization. Their objective was to denounce the silence of the authorities in the face of the growing insecurity affecting the city. Markets, shops, pharmacies and even some schools closed their doors to mark their fed up.
The reprehensible behavior of the armed forces:
The mobilization was also motivated by the reprehensible behavior of the Regimental Commander based in Kamituga and his elements. Residents have testified to brutality and theft committed by these soldiers during previous demonstrations. The October 23 incident further aggravated their indignation, as the armed forces repressed the demonstrators by putting out the fires lit by the angry population, and committing acts of torture and theft.
A determination to continue the fight for security:
Despite the actions committed by the armed forces, the organizers of the mobilization remain determined to continue the fight for the security of the population of Kamituga. They plan to organize other citizen actions until the situation improves. The latest case of insecurity, where a gold trader was attacked and injured, highlights the urgency of action to ensure the safety of people and their property.
Conclusion :
The mobilization in Kamituga against growing insecurity highlights the concerns of the population regarding the deterioration of the situation in the region. The “dead” city day showed the unity of the population and their desire to live in a secure environment. It is essential that political, administrative and military authorities take measures to protect the population and restore confidence in the region. Security is a prerequisite for the socio-economic development of Kamituga, and it is essential to remedy it as quickly as possible.