Title: Protests against the harassment of the armed forces in the DRC: the critical situation in Mitwaba
In the territory of Mitwaba, province of Haut-Katanga, students in the localities of Kintya, Tambo, Kidimudilo and their surrounding areas find themselves at the heart of a major educational crisis. Indeed, the local population has decided to no longer send their children to school as a sign of protest against the harassment and extortion perpetrated by elements of the armed forces of the DRC (FARDC).
Residents denounce the actions of the FARDC, deployed as reinforcements to counter the presumed presence of Mai-mai Bakata Katanga militiamen. Instead of ensuring the security of the population, these armed forces engage in reprehensible acts that create a climate of fear and mistrust. Residents particularly deplore the looting of goods, livestock and crops after civilians fled during supposed militia incursions.
Faced with this alarming situation, parents categorically refuse to send their children to school, thus impacting their educational journey. School officials, such as Romuald Muyaba Mutaba, express their concern about this interruption of classes and the non-taking of the first term exams.
Local notables and civil society are sounding the alarm and demanding the departure of the soldiers responsible for the harassment, demanding replacement by more professional units committed to serving the population. They also call on the political-administrative and military authorities to act quickly to restore trust and harmony between the defense forces and the local population.
It is crucial to restore a climate of peace and security to allow children to return to school and guarantee a peaceful 2024 school year. Collaboration between the authorities, the armed forces and civil society is essential to ensure a peaceful future for the inhabitants of Mitwaba and its surroundings.
The current situation highlights the urgency of concerted intervention to protect the fundamental rights of residents and preserve access to education for children in the region.