It has been reported in recent days that the Ituri province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo remains in the grip of a situation of extreme tension. Clashes broke out earlier this week between the Hema and Lendu communities, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people in Djugu territory. This violence appears to be part of a perpetual cycle of reprisals between these two ethnic groups.
The Djugu region of the DRC appears to be the scene of a conflict that has been ongoing since 2017, pitting the Hema and Lendu communities against each other. This spiral of violence has resulted in numerous casualties and has plunged the region into a state of constant fear and instability.
The authorities, assisted by the United Nations Mission in Congo (MONUSCO), have attempted to intervene to prevent further attacks on displacement sites. Peacekeepers were alerted to an imminent attack on the village of Nglé, near two camps for displaced people, and managed to repel the attackers after an exchange of fire. However, the human toll of this attack remains tragic, with at least six deaths reported.
Despite the signing of a disarmament agreement in April 2024, local armed groups have still not surrendered their weapons, thus compromising the implementation of a disarmament, demobilization and stabilization program. This situation gives free rein to armed groups to take advantage of the region’s mineral resources to rearm and perpetuate the violence.
Michel Meta Wani, President of the Union of Cultural Associations for the Development of Ituri, stressed the importance of a reinforced military presence to advance the disarmament process and contain the violence. It is crucial to break this cycle of violence to allow local communities to find peace and rebuild a more serene future.
The situation in Ituri thus reveals the urgent need for concerted and effective action to put an end to this devastating intercommunal violence and establish a climate of security and reconciliation in the region. The fate of thousands of people depends on it, and only a comprehensive and coordinated approach will be able to resolve these destructive conflicts.