The persistent critical situation in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to give rise to debates and concerns about the effectiveness of the measures taken to counter the violence and killings which afflict these regions. The Lamuka coalition recently expressed its exasperation at the alarming increase in violent acts perpetrated by armed groups in these areas, calling for the immediate lifting of the state of siege established in May 2021.
The figures put forward by Lamuka are chilling: 23 Congolese massacred by CODECO in the territory of Djugu in Ituri, 14 people beheaded by the ADF in Lubero, and 42 others executed at the beginning of June in the same region. These atrocities highlight the urgency of more effective action to protect local populations and restore peace in these troubled areas.
Lamuka openly questions President Félix Tshisekedi on the effectiveness of the security measures put in place, emphasizing that despite the state of siege and the promises made to armed groups, the security situation continues to deteriorate. The organization asks why economic and democratic stability is prioritized to the detriment of the security of the inhabitants of eastern DRC and national integrity.
The Lamuka coalition suggests a more participatory approach to local youth in maintaining security, advocating for the lifting of restrictions on freedom to allow young people to organize peaceful protests to express their desire for peace and security. This request refers to a fundamental need of the population: to live in complete peace and security in their communities.
Recent history shows that the state of siege has failed to bring the expected results in terms of security and the protection of human rights. Critics are multiplying, highlighting the perverse effects of this measure on individual freedoms and on the general situation of human rights in the region.
The presidential response, consisting of a gradual easing of the state of siege, was not enough to calm concerns and protests. It is necessary to rethink the strategies put in place and listen to the calls from different stakeholders to find lasting solutions to this security crisis.
The instability and violence plaguing the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri call for collective and concerted action, transcending political divisions to guarantee the security and dignity of all Congolese citizens. It is time to consider new approaches and redouble our efforts to end this spiral of violence and suffering that has continued for too long.
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