**A glimmer of hope: the release of hostages in Ituri**
The release of ten hostages, including six women, held by the CODECO militia in Ituri, has sparked immense relief within the community. After being captive for almost a week, these survivors finally regained their freedom thanks to the joint efforts of the military authorities, traditional leaders and the NGO FADEM.
The rapid and coordinated intervention allowed the return of these ten people, including an infant, to Bunia. Georgine Love, from the NGO FADEM, expresses her satisfaction at seeing these survivors return safely: “Women are often the first victims of violence perpetrated by armed groups. We made sure the worst didn’t happen.”
Dieudonné Lossa, coordinator of civil society in Ituri, would like to salute all those who worked for this positive outcome. He reminds armed groups of their commitment to peace and the cessation of hostilities, stressing that the return of the hostages must not be followed by a new cycle of violence.
This tragic event, which occurred after a clash between CODECO militiamen and the Zaire armed group, demonstrates once again the urgency of putting an end to the abuses and kidnappings affecting the region. Efforts to mediate and repatriate victims are a glimmer of hope in a context marked by instability and violence.
In conclusion, the release of the hostages in Ituri is a poignant reminder of the need to continue efforts to establish lasting peace in the region. Civilians should not be taken hostage by armed groups and deserve to live in safety and dignity.