As the security situation remains tense in the Kokola region of North Kivu, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) recently repelled an attack by ADF rebels. This attack, which took place the day before in Kokola, sowed panic among the local population and prompted a rapid response from the authorities to ensure the safety of civilians in the region.
According to the testimonies collected, the ADF rebels, advancing westward along national road number 4, launched their assault on the village of Kokola around 7 p.m. Heavy gunfire was heard, forcing residents to flee to areas deemed safer. Faced with this threat, FARDC soldiers intervened and engaged in an exchange of fire with the attackers, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forest.
This attack is part of a series of incidents that have occurred in the region in recent weeks, raising concerns about the security of local populations, particularly in the run-up to the end-of-year holidays. Patrick Kahasa, president of the local civil society, expressed his concern about this escalation of violence and called for urgent measures to protect civilians and ensure a secure environment for the upcoming celebrations.
It is crucial, as Patrick Kahasa underlines, to increase vigilance along the Luna-Kainama-Eringeti-Mayimoya road axis up to Oicha, where the presence of ADF rebels has been reported by farmers. Cooperation between the different armed forces, such as the FARDC-UPDF coalition, is essential to contain the threat and ensure the security of the populations.
For the time being, a precarious calm seems to reign in the Kokola region following the intervention of military troops, but the situation remains unstable. It is imperative that the authorities maintain a dissuasive presence in the region and ensure the protection of vulnerable civilians from attacks by armed groups.
The incident in Kokola underlines once again the need for a coordinated and effective response to address the persistent threat from rebel groups in eastern DRC. Securing the region and protecting civilians must remain top priorities to ensure stability and peace in this highly troubled area.