Fatshimétrie, a new online news aggregator, reports an ongoing tragedy in Beni, North Kivu province, where ADF rebels recently carried out deadly attacks in Babila-Bakaiko. This series of attacks has led to an escalation of the human toll, from 3 to 37 victims in just three days. Local civil society is sounding the alarm, deploring the loss of life and devastating material damage, and calling for joint military operations by the FARDC and the UPDF (the Ugandan army) in the region.
However, these repeated attacks have not caught the authorities off guard, as several alerts had been issued about the presence of rebels in the region, without adequate reaction from the military forces. Kinos Katuho, president of the local civil society, points out that the situation has rapidly deteriorated, with the human toll constantly increasing. According to him, over the past three days, 37 people have been killed, houses burned, motorcycles destroyed, and many people missing, some of whom were abducted by the attackers.
Faced with this alarming situation, local civil society is calling on the authorities for urgent intervention in the Beni-Mbau region, particularly in the Batangi-Mbau group. Joint operations by the FARDC and UPDF are highly recommended to counter the terrorist threat and protect the civilian population. FARDC soldiers have already begun pursuing the rebels, who have been seen heading west of National Road No. 4, according to local reports.
It is imperative to emphasize that this tragic toll remains provisional, as many people remain missing and the situation is still evolving. The army has not yet communicated on these events, leaving local civil society waiting for a rapid and effective response to put an end to these deadly attacks. The people of Beni deserve protection and security, and it is essential that the authorities take immediate action to address this ongoing threat.
In this time of mourning and uncertainty, solidarity and support for the people of Beni must be strengthened. As the region experiences increasing instability, it is crucial that the international community remains vigilant and provides assistance to restore peace and stability in this conflict-torn region. The repercussions of these devastating attacks cannot be ignored, and urgent action is needed to protect the lives and safety of vulnerable populations.