The cantonment site for combatants applying for the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS) in Kasando, in the Lubero territory, was the scene of an act of unprecedented violence a week ago . The M23 rebels burned down this place of transition and reintegration while they occupied the rural commune of Kirumba, located 75 kilometers from the center of Lubero.
According to information collected by Radio Okapi from the head of the P-DDRCS Butembo-Lubero station, Yuston Kambale Kinyali, the rebels completely destroyed the Kasando cantonment site by setting it on fire. This place, which hosted 287 ex-combatants awaiting community reintegration, was reduced to ashes in a few moments. The consequences of this act of destruction are serious, because disarmament and demobilization operations are now at a standstill in Lubero territory.
The ex-combatants, coming from Mubambiro in Masisi and from Mambango in Beni, had to flee the site upon seeing the imminent arrival of the rebels. They dispersed, putting their own safety at risk. Yuston Kambale Kinyali expresses his fear about their fate, highlighting the risk they run by being exposed to armed groups and the M23. He calls on the authorities to facilitate the search for ex-combatants to shelter them.
The Kasando cantonment site, the only gathering place for P-DDRCS candidate fighters in the city of Butembo and the territory of Lubero, was destroyed. Infrastructure, installations and equipment intended for housing and caring for ex-combatants were destroyed, leaving a field of ruins.
The takeover of the rural commune of Kirumba by the rebels represents a new setback for the stability of the region. The local population is now facing a situation of increased insecurity, while efforts to reintegrate ex-combatants are compromised.
This violent attack once again highlights the urgency of concerted action to restore peace and stability in the North Kivu region. The authorities must act quickly to protect vulnerable populations, reestablish dialogue with armed groups and relaunch disarmament and reintegration programs for ex-combatants. Only a firm and sustained commitment will make it possible to put an end to the spiral of violence which has ravaged this region for too long.