The territory of Beni, in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is currently the scene of a tense situation. Following a recent massacre which cost the lives of twenty-seven civilians in the rural commune of Oicha, the territorial administrator issued a 72-hour ultimatum to farmers, loggers and mining quarry operators operating in the forest from Beni. They are asked to evacuate the area to allow the army to carry out a clean-up operation and restore security to the region.
Colonel Charles Ehuta Omeonga, in charge of the operation, warned that anyone found deep in the forest would be considered an enemy. He urged local people to follow this instruction and leave the forest and bush. The armed forces entering into operations will not discriminate and will not spare anyone. According to Colonel Omeonga, their objective is to eliminate any hostile presence and restore peace to the region.
This announcement underlines the importance of the security situation in the Beni area. The massacres carried out in recent years in this region have been attributed to armed groups, in particular the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which operate in the Beni forest. These armed groups are often involved in illicit activities such as logging and mining, as well as livestock theft.
The ultimatum launched by the administrator of the Beni territory highlights the need to strengthen the fight against armed groups and ensure the security of local populations. This will require cooperation between Congolese security forces, local authorities and the population themselves.
It is crucial to emphasize that securing the Beni region cannot be achieved solely through military operations. It is also essential to address the root causes of the conflict, such as economic marginalization, poverty and the lack of basic infrastructure. Efforts must be made to promote the economic and social development of the region, in order to create opportunities for local populations and reduce vulnerability to manipulation by armed groups.
In conclusion, the ultimatum issued to farmers, logging companies and mining quarry operators in the Beni forest highlights the importance of security in the region. It is essential to carry out targeted military operations to eliminate armed groups and restore peace, while addressing the root causes of the conflict in order to ensure sustainable development and long-term stability in the Beni region.