**The arrival of Wazalendo fighters in Ituri: a new deal for security**
Since Saturday, October 19, the Mungamba region, located about 100 kilometers from the city of Bunia, in the Irumu territory in Ituri, has seen the gradual installation of about ten Wazalendo fighters. Originally from North Kivu, these militiamen came to inspect the region with a view to establishing a camp to support the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in their fight against the ADF rebels.
The arrival of this first group of Wazalendo raises concerns within local civil society. Indeed, if these fighters are mandated to fight the ADF, the presence of several armed groups in the region could lead to an escalation of violence and jeopardize the security of the inhabitants. Pascal Kisezo of the local civil society expresses these concerns, emphasizing the risk that these militiamen themselves become a threat to the population.
Faced with this situation, the administrator of the Irumu territory, Colonel Jean Siro Simba, dispatched a team to assess the presence of Wazalendo fighters in the region. He emphasizes that this arrival was not reported to the local authorities, and insists on the return of these militiamen to their region of origin.
This situation raises questions about the security strategy in the region. As war displaced persons begin to return to localities formerly occupied by the rebels, it is crucial to guarantee the safety of the inhabitants and avoid any clashes between armed groups.
The arrival of Wazalendo fighters in Ituri marks a turning point in the security situation in the region. It is essential that local authorities, in collaboration with the security forces, take appropriate measures to prevent any escalation of violence and ensure the protection of local populations. Coordination between the different parties involved in the fight against armed groups is essential to guarantee stability and security in the Irumu region.