Title: The growing presence of armed men in Ango territory, a growing source of concern
Introduction :
In the province of Bas-Uele, the territory of Ango is facing an increasingly worrying situation. For almost two weeks, a growing presence of unidentified armed men has worried the local population. More than 10 localities have already been invaded, sparking the alert of national MP Grace Neema. This situation highlights the different connections between the Ugandan rebels of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), the rebels of the Seleka armed group in the Central African Republic and the Chadians of Mbororos. Faced with this growing threat, the population and civil society are calling on provincial authorities to act quickly to stop this worrying situation.
A worrying phenomenon:
The massive presence of unidentified and heavily armed men in uniform in Ango territory is causing deep concern among the population. Remote areas are particularly affected, making communication difficult even for local authorities. MP Grace Neema points out that sporadic reports have been reported, but they are not adequately followed up. Initially localized in a few villages, the presence of armed men now extends across the entire territory, creating a climate of fear.
Link with armed groups:
It is alarming to note the connections between the Ugandan rebels of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), the rebels of the Seleka armed group in the Central African Republic and the Chadians of Mbororos. This coordination between different armed groups raises fears of a possible coalition with elements of the M23/RDF coalition. This situation not only reinforces insecurity in the region, but also poses a major challenge for national and provincial authorities.
Call to action:
Faced with this rise in power of armed men in the Ango territory, local civil society is launching an urgent appeal to the provincial authorities to take immediate measures to stem this worrying situation. The proximity of the border with the Central African Republic underlines the importance of a rapid and coordinated response to ensure the security of populations and prevent any contagion of violence.
Conclusion :
The growing presence of unidentified armed men in Ango territory poses a serious threat to the local population. Connections between different regional armed groups highlight the need for a coordinated response, both nationally and provincially. Authorities must take urgent measures to guarantee the safety of Ango residents and prevent an escalation of violence. The current situation calls for increased vigilance and collaboration between local, national and regional actors to address this growing threat.