Fatshimetrie
The military prosecutor’s office of the Ituri garrison recently opened primary investigations into alleged crimes against humanity. The tragic events took place in April 2021, perpetrated by the armed group Mouvement d’Autodéfense Populaire de l’Ituri (MAPI), near Bunia, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These investigations, which began on Monday, November 18, focus on serious acts such as murders, forced displacement of populations and looting. The areas affected by these dark events are located in the Kabarole group, Irumu territory, particularly in the locality of Licha, near Shari.
The inhabitants of this region were directly impacted by the brutal attacks of the MAPI militia. Many civilians died, others were deported by merciless attackers, while property was looted and destroyed. So many tragedies that have marked the local population and symbolize the cruelty of crimes against humanity.
The military prosecutor’s office of Ituri has spared no effort to collect testimonies from nearly 125 victims, witnesses and local authorities. These accounts are essential to elucidate the facts, identify the perpetrators and bring justice to innocent victims. It is crucial to shed light on the truth and prosecute those responsible for these heinous acts.
To successfully carry out these investigations, the technical, logistical and financial support of the Justice Support Section of MONUSCO and other partners was essential. International cooperation plays a vital role in the fight against impunity for serious crimes and in the promotion of justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In conclusion, these investigations represent a crucial step towards the recognition of victims’ rights and the conviction of the perpetrators. It is imperative to continue efforts to ensure that such inhumane acts do not go unpunished. The quest for justice and peace for populations affected by armed conflicts is a moral duty and a humanitarian obligation.
Ultimately, the crimes against humanity perpetrated by the MAPI armed group in April 2021 in Ituri must not remain in the shadow of oblivion. They must be denounced, judged and condemned in order to prevent future acts of barbarity and restore the dignity of innocent victims.