In the Aru region, in Ituri, an economic paralysis has hit activities since last Thursday, leaving the population in a critical situation. This period of crisis, which began in response to the escalation of crime which led to the tragic murder of a child by armed individuals, culminated with the call for three days of ghost town launched by local civil society.
Civil society, via a memo addressed to the Territorial Administrator, highlighted the increase in criminal acts in the region, highlighting recent cases such as the shooting of a child and the kidnapping of two other children. by unidentified assailants. Faced with this growing insecurity, the population decided to suspend their usual activities as a sign of protest and to demand concrete measures to guarantee their security.
Since Thursday morning, shops, boutiques, gas stations and markets have remained closed in major population centers such as Aru, Ariwara and Ingbokolo. This paralysis has also extended to the main roads, with drastically reduced traffic between the Aru region and its neighboring territories. This situation not only has an impact on the local economy, but it also endangers the daily life of residents who find themselves deprived of essential goods and services.
The mobilization of civil society, with the active participation of the Federation of Congolese Businesses, representatives of youth and notables of the region, testifies to a collective desire to find solutions to this security crisis. Discussions have been initiated with the Territorial Administrator with the aim of putting in place effective measures to guarantee the safety of residents and allow the resumption of economic activities.
Faced with this alarming situation, it is essential that local authorities take firm measures to ensure the protection of populations and restore a climate of confidence conducive to economic development. Solidarity and the mobilization of civil society are essential assets to make the legitimate demands of the population heard and build a more secure and prosperous future for the Aru region.
In conclusion, the economic paralysis observed in Aru following the escalation of crime is the direct consequence of the insecurity prevailing in the region. It is imperative to take urgent measures to end this spiral of violence and allow the population to resume their activities in a safe and stable environment.