Recent news has been marked by a tragic attack perpetrated by Ugandan ADF rebels in the villages of Kazaroho and Kandiyasa, located on the border between the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. At least 11 people, including two women, lost their lives during this attack which plunged the region into fear.
According to villagers’ testimonies, the first victims were brutally executed with machetes and bullets, leaving behind a landscape of terror. Among the victims were farmers from the city of Oicha, present in the area for rural activities.
The incident caused great emotion among the local population, who now feel permanently insecure. The authorities reacted by dispatching the military administrator of Beni to the site to express their solidarity with the bereaved families. The latter himself transported the bodies of the victims to the Oicha morgue, thus testifying to the horror of the situation.
Civil society in Mantumbi, a village neighboring the scene of the attack, confirmed the tragic toll of 11 people killed. However, a glimmer of hope was seen with the release of nine hostages by the attackers. Among these hostages were five women and three children, who narrowly escaped a disastrous fate.
This attack once again highlights the continuing threat posed by Ugandan ADF rebels in the region. Despite efforts by security forces to neutralize them, they continue to sow terror and perpetrate acts of merciless violence.
Faced with this situation, it is essential that the authorities strengthen their presence in the region and redouble their efforts to ensure the security of local populations. Prevention and response measures must be put in place in order to put an end to these recurring attacks and allow residents to live in peace.
It is also crucial that the international community supports the efforts of the Congolese authorities in the fight against armed groups present in the region. Collective mobilization is necessary to ensure the protection of civilians and put an end to this cycle of violence which hinders the development of the region.
In conclusion, this tragic attack in the villages of Kazaroho and Kandiyasa is a stark reminder of the insecurity that reigns in certain regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is imperative to take urgent measures to put an end to this indiscriminate violence and guarantee the security of populations who live in terror on a daily basis.