North Kivu, a province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is facing a tragic situation. More than 35 people lost their lives during the year 2023 in the commune of Bulengera, located in the city of Butembo. This alarming figure was highlighted by local civil society, which emphasizes that these deaths are due to growing insecurity in the region, as well as cases of intentional homicide and acts of popular justice.
Civil society in Bulengera calls on the Congolese state to take its responsibilities and ensure the protection of the population and its property. It is urgent to put in place effective security measures to put an end to this spiral of violence.
It is important to emphasize that the figures put forward by civil society only represent one municipality out of the four that make up Butembo. The entire city is faced with armed violence, creating a permanent climate of insecurity for residents.
This tragic situation must be taken seriously. It is essential to find lasting solutions to put an end to this violence and allow residents to live in peace. The Congolese state must take concrete measures to strengthen the presence of security forces in the region, to investigate the crimes committed and to bring the guilty to justice.
It is also important to support civil society and local organizations fighting for peace and security in the region. Their work is essential and deserves to be recognized and supported.
We sincerely hope that measures will be taken quickly to put an end to this violence and to allow the inhabitants of Bulengera and Butembo to live in safety. Peace and security are fundamental rights, and it is the duty of the State to guarantee them to all its citizens.