The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province has recently seen increasing violence, with more than 50 cases of killings reported between July and September 2023, according to a report published by the NGO Justice Plus. This violence was mainly motivated by acts of theft, extortion, looting, kidnapping and burning of houses.
The Justice Plus report highlights the various human rights violations committed by the defense and security forces, as well as by local militias, including the ADF (People’s Defense Armies). Shocking incidents were reported, such as the shooting at a wake in Nyakove, which resulted in the deaths of 13 people.
Justice Plus, which collects its information from partner organizations and witnesses on the ground, recommends that the government take rapid measures to install transitional justice mechanisms, in order to bring perpetrators of violence to justice. The NGO also calls for the removal of illegal barriers erected in the region and for the accountability of soldiers and police officers guilty of harassment of the population.
The situation in Ituri is worrying, with the continued presence of armed groups and an evolution of insecurity. Justice Plus calls for government commitment to end these abuses and protect citizens’ rights.
It is essential that concrete measures are taken to guarantee security and justice in Ituri province. Collaboration between local authorities, human rights organizations and the population is crucial to ending this spiral of violence affecting the region.
It is crucial to raise public awareness about this situation and to put pressure on the relevant authorities to take immediate measures to guarantee the safety of the inhabitants of Ituri and to put an end to the impunity of the perpetrators of violence. The protection of human rights and the preservation of peace are major challenges for the development and stability of the region.
In conclusion, it is essential to continue to closely monitor the situation in Ituri and support efforts to restore security, justice and human rights in this province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Every effort must be made to put an end to the violence and allow the population to live in a secure and peaceful environment.