The tragedy has once again befallen the locality of Ndalya, in Ituri, a province devastated by the horrors of attacks by the Democratic and Allied Forces (ADF). Last Saturday, a new deadly incursion shook the population, leaving behind a tragic toll. Civilians were the first victims of this indiscriminate violence, perpetrated by the attackers of the terrorist group.
Survivors’ stories bear witness to the horror experienced that day. Innocent civilians have been murdered in cold blood for simply refusing to give in to terrorist threats. A baby lost his life, his mother is still fighting for hers, seriously injured during the attack. The observation is bitter: insecurity reigns supreme in this region devastated by violence for too long.
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) quickly reacted to contain the situation, managing to kill an ADF fighter. However, the harm is deep and the scars left by these barbaric acts are indelible. It is urgent that concrete measures be taken to protect civilian populations, taken hostage in a conflict that is beyond their control.
The Convention for the Respect of Human Rights (CRDH) underlined the importance of strengthened collaboration between the FARDC and neighboring security forces to counter the escalation of violence and stem the abuses of armed groups. Joint patrols could constitute a bulwark against the recurring attacks of these rebels, thus bringing hope of peace and security for the inhabitants of this battered region.
It is imperative that the international community mobilizes alongside the Congolese authorities to fight against the scourge of insecurity which is plaguing eastern DRC. Together, in solidarity and cooperation, lasting solutions can be found to put an end to this unacceptable violence and finally allow the population of Ndalya and the entire region to regain the peace and serenity that they deserve.
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