On the night of Monday August 5 to Tuesday August 6, residents of the northern part of the city of Goma, in the province of North Kivu, experienced moments of anguish and terror. Gunshots rang out for hours in several neighborhoods of the commune of Karisimbi, such as Mabanga Sud, Majengo, Kasika, Bujovu and Majengo. Armed bandits entered around fifteen homes, looting valuable property and sowing violence.
The president of the urban coordination of civil society in Goma, Marrio Ngavho, reacted strongly to these events, calling for firm action from the 34th military region to ensure the safety of residents in the face of these recurring criminal acts. He warned of the fake Wazalendo who are terrorizing the population and urged the authorities to redouble their efforts to neutralize them.
The stories from residents are chilling: houses robbed, doors and windows smashed, property taken away at gunpoint. The night was marked by fear and insecurity, but fortunately no deaths were reported. In certain neighborhoods, the heroic resistance of an officer made it possible to put the attackers to flight after a fierce struggle.
The city of Goma, although heavily militarized, is the scene of persistent security unrest, fueled by criminal groups operating in the shadows. The population is called upon to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in order to protect its members and property.
In response to this escalation of violence, awareness-raising and dialogue initiatives to promote the culture of peace were launched in Goma and in the Nyiragongo territory. These actions aim to bring together local actors, notably young people, the armed forces and the police, to strengthen social cohesion and prevent conflicts.
The precarious security situation in Goma and its surroundings reflects the complex challenges facing the region. The lingering effects of past armed conflicts, such as the M23 war, leave deep scars and fuel instability. The authorities and the international community must unite to fight insecurity and guarantee the safety of vulnerable populations.
In these times of uncertainty and fear, solidarity and cooperation are essential to overcome the security challenges that threaten the stability of Goma and its inhabitants. It is time to act with determination and firmness to restore peace and security in this region affected by violence and insecurity.
Jonathan Kombi, Correspondent in Goma