The town of Beni, in the North Kivu region, is once again facing a wave of attacks and violence perpetrated by ADF rebels. In less than three weeks, around forty civilians were killed in cold blood, plunging the population into fear and desolation.
The latest attack, which occurred last Friday in the Sayo district, cost the lives of 15 people, including 6 innocent women. These barbaric acts, committed by the ADF attackers, sowed terror and chaos in the city and its surroundings, particularly in the villages of Mangina, Mavivi, Sayo, Bunji, Matembo, Mutube, Kasanga-Tuha, and others.
While the region has enjoyed a relative lull in recent months, the ADF rebels have chosen to break this pause by resuming their deadly attacks. The recent victims, nine civilians massacred in the Mutube forest and five others killed in Mangina, illustrate the cruelty of these armed men and underline the urgency of decisive action to protect vulnerable populations.
Faced with this escalation of violence, calls for large-scale military operations against the ADF rebels are increasing. Pépin Kavota, president of civil society in Beni, calls for concrete measures to put an end to these barbaric acts and ensure the safety of residents.
However, the army calls for caution, urging the population not to disseminate sensitive information on social networks, so as not to compromise the success of military operations. Discretion is essential to preserve the effectiveness of protection and counterattack missions.
In this context of emergency and permanent threat, it is crucial that the authorities take rapid and effective measures to neutralize the ADF rebels and restore peace in the Beni region. The expansion of joint operations between the Congolese and Ugandan armed forces appears to be a necessary option to eradicate this terrorist threat which weighs on the population.
Ultimately, the situation in Beni requires urgent and coordinated action to end ADF rebel violence and ensure the safety of civilians in the region. The international community must also support the efforts of the Congolese authorities to restore peace and stability in this area devastated by armed conflicts.