The activities of businesses and public transport agencies were paralyzed on Wednesday November 15 in the territory of Mambasa, in Ituri, following an appeal launched by local civil society. This mobilization follows the dilapidated roads and the intensification of ADF attacks which caused several victims in this region.
During a general assembly held from November 7 to 9, Mambasa civil society decided to launch this strike. Economic operators and representatives of different organizations were present at this meeting. The strike movement was observed in almost all major cities in the region.
The main demand of civil society is to denounce the government’s supposed indifference to the suffering of the population. Indeed, it is subject to both attacks by the ADF and harassment by the military who have erected a large number of barriers on the region’s roads.
In a memorandum addressed to the government, civil society sets prerequisites for the resumption of activities. It calls in particular for the dismantling of armed groups, the rehabilitation of roads as well as the relief of soldiers from the 31st brigade and the territorial security committee. These prerequisites demonstrate the urgency of the situation and the need for concrete actions to guarantee the security and well-being of the population.
The strike observed in Mambasa is a strong signal sent to the authorities to remind the importance of taking into account the needs and concerns of citizens. It is essential to put in place effective measures to fight against armed groups and ensure security on the region’s roads. The population needs to feel protected and supported by the government to be able to carry out their activities with complete peace of mind.
Let us hope that this mobilization of civil society in Mambasa will attract the attention of the authorities and find lasting solutions to the security and infrastructure problems in the region. It is essential to guarantee an environment conducive to socio-economic development and prosperity of the population.