“Fatshimetrie recently highlighted a critical situation in Masisi territory, more precisely in the isolated sector of Katoyi, located about 80 kilometers from the tumultuous city of Goma, in the province of North Kivu. The inhabitants of this area are currently faced with a terrible reality, prey to the relentless occupation of local armed groups, notably the Wazalendo, led by the Congolese Patriotic Resistance/Strike Force, better known as PARECO/FF.
Poignant testimonies from notables in the region denounce an unbearable atmosphere, where the insurgents, under the orders of a self-proclaimed general named Kigingi, have erected no less than ten illegal roadblocks throughout the sector. These barriers serve not only to control the movement of travelers, but also to extort exorbitant crossing taxes from them. The inhabitants are forced to pay monthly security taxes, in addition to the amounts already collected per head of cow from local herders. This suffocating situation threatens the very survival of the local populations, already weakened by the oppressive presence of the M23 rebels who are active around the area.
Faced with this unprecedented humanitarian and security crisis, community leaders have launched an urgent appeal to the competent authorities to protect the civilian population in distress. They are calling for immediate and effective intervention to free the area from the grip of these armed groups, and thus restore a semblance of normality in the lives of the inhabitants of Katoyi.
This alarming situation underlines the urgent need for concerted and rapid action by local and national authorities to put an end to this spiral of violence and abuse that is plaguing the region. It is imperative to guarantee the safety and peace of civilians who are the first victims of these atrocities perpetrated by armed groups. The international community must also mobilize to support efforts to restore peace and stability in this wounded region of North Kivu.
Ultimately, the poignant testimonies of the Katoyi notables remind us of the urgency to act and support vulnerable populations caught in the trap of conflicts that are beyond their control. It is essential to make their voices heard and to ensure them a more peaceful future, free from the terror imposed by armed groups.”