The violent clashes raging in the rural commune of Mangina, located in the territory of Beni, in North Kivu, are currently making the headlines in many media. For several days, the Congolese army has found itself battling a group of young people calling themselves the “Wazalendo”.
According to information provided by the army spokesperson in the region, these young people are supported by provincial deputy Alain Siwako, who is currently on the run. The clashes have already caused the loss of civilian lives and created a precarious humanitarian situation.
However, Alain Siwako categorically denies the accusations against him. According to him, this is a plot aimed at discrediting him. He claims that the self-proclaimed young people “Wazalendo” actually came from the locality of Rutshuru to track down ADF terrorists in Mangina.
Civil society also opposes the army’s version and denounces the deaths of many innocent civilians. She calls for those responsible to be held to account and urges the authorities to take responsibility.
This violence has repercussions on the daily life of the inhabitants of Mangina. Classes are suspended and the population lives in fear and insecurity. Civilians fear being targeted by the armed forces and prefer to stay at home.
Faced with this situation, it is essential that measures are taken to put an end to the clashes and guarantee the safety of the inhabitants of Mangina. It is also crucial to carry out a thorough investigation to determine responsibility and prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future.
Stability and security in this region are major challenges for the development of the DRC. It is therefore essential that all stakeholders engage in constructive dialogue and seek peaceful solutions to resolve conflicts and prevent further violence.