The recent massacre of sixteen hostages by the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) in Djugu territory, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, has once again highlighted the unimaginable tragedy that plagues the region. The senseless cruelty inflicted by CODECO militiamen in the villages of Abombi and Toko underscores the urgent need for decisive action by the authorities to halt this cycle of violence.
Mr. Kagbanese Eli, executive of the Union for Democracy and Progress (UDPS) in Djugu, has condemned the lack of intervention by local authorities in the face of such atrocities. The continuous increase in victims, including the recent killing of more than thirty individuals in the Galayi village, emphasizes the barbarity that cannot be tolerated any longer. Concrete measures must be promptly implemented to safeguard civilians from such inhumane acts.
The situation demands immediate response and tangible efforts to restore peace and security in Ituri. Calls for military intervention by Mr. Kagbanese Eli to halt the recurrent massacres must be heeded without delay. The state’s responsibility to protect its citizens, particularly in volatile areas like Djugu, cannot be undermined.
Perpetrators of these crimes must face justice, and impunity must be eradicated. The tragic events in Djugu call for global attention and support to restore stability in the region. It is imperative to take courageous steps to end this relentless human tragedy and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.