On March 23, 2024, armed men affiliated with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) carried out a brutal attack in the village of Matolo, located in Ituri, taking more than 30 civilians hostage, including the village chief. This escalation of violence, a sad reality in this region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, once again highlights the persistent threat from armed groups.
Christophe Munyanderu, coordinator of the Convention for the Respect of Human Rights (CRDH), strongly condemned this act of kidnapping and called for immediate action by security forces to free the hostages. This situation highlights the need for a coordinated and effective response to protect vulnerable civilian populations and put an end to the impunity of armed groups.
In these turbulent times, where the security and stability of the region are continually threatened, it is imperative that the relevant authorities strengthen their efforts to ensure the protection of civilians and combat persistent insecurity. Let us hope that concrete steps will be taken to end these acts of violence and ensure a more secure future for the people of Ituri.