The return of socio-economic activities in Beni on Thursday, April 18, after a two-day standstill due to a call from pressure groups and citizen movements, showcases the resilience and determination of the local population against the backdrop of escalating violence and killings in the region. The recent two-day mourning initiative, prompted by a fatal attack resulting in the loss of 15 lives in Mulekera, aimed to draw attention to the urgent need for authorities to address the prevailing insecurity in Beni.
Citizens expressed their dismay at the rampant violence and the silence of elected officials, highlighting the lack of response and resources allocated to the military to curb the ongoing violence. Despite the direct economic implications, residents like Neema Kathungu, a seller at the Mayangose market, displayed their distress and commitment by supporting this symbolic gesture.
The collective consciousness demonstrated during these two days of mobilization underscores the community’s desire to safeguard their security and demand genuine protection from the authorities. The legitimate demands from citizen movements and pressure groups call for practical steps to quell the growing insecurity in the region. The effectiveness of resources available to fight terrorist attacks, notably the absence of military vehicles, emphasizes the pressing need for increased national and international support to ensure civilian safety in Beni and across North Kivu.
By resuming socio-economic activities, Beni sends a powerful message of resistance and solidarity against the violence plaguing the region. This citizen movement accentuates the necessity for prompt and coordinated action to ensure residents’ safety and restore trust in the institutions responsible for their protection. It’s crucial for authorities to heed the legitimate calls from Beni’s citizens and promptly address the escalating violence jeopardizing regional stability.