The persistent climate of insecurity in Goma, North Kivu, is a concerning issue that has raised alarms not only among the city’s residents but also within the local civil society. During a recent press briefing, four civil society coordinations from the territories of Rutshuru, Masisi, Nyiragongo, and the city of Goma expressed deep concerns about the escalating violence and unrest triggered by the presence of armed forces and armed groups in the region.
Mambo Kawaya, a civil society representative from Nyiragongo, emphasized the urgency of the situation and urged provincial authorities to take concrete measures to ensure the safety of the residents. He proposed the demilitarization of Goma as a crucial step to restore peace and stability in the region. Kawaya suggested the withdrawal of FARDC soldiers from the city, their deployment to the front lines, and the establishment of a military police battalion in Goma to control weapon inflow and prevent militiamen’s movements.
The call for demilitarization of Goma brings to light the complex security challenges faced in the North Kivu region, which has been marred by decades of violence and instability. The presence of defense forces, intended to ensure citizen protection, paradoxically seems to exacerbate insecurity by fueling tensions and emboldening armed groups. Civil society is advocating for a reassessment of the current security system and the implementation of more effective solutions to mitigate and combat threats facing the population.
This demand for demilitarization underscores the need for provincial and national authorities to heed the legitimate concerns raised by civil society and take proactive steps to safeguard the security and well-being of Goma’s inhabitants and surrounding areas. Demilitarizing the city could present an opportunity to rebuild trust between the population and security forces, fostering a peaceful environment conducive to regional development and reconstruction.
Please see more on this topic [here](https://www.radiookapi.net/2024/04/17/actualite/societe/insecurite-goma-la-societe-civile-exige-la-demilitarisation-de-la-ville).