In a climate of terror and uncertainty, the Lese region, located on the Eringeti-Kainama road in the Beni territory, in North Kivu, was the scene of a mass kidnapping by ADF rebels on the evening of last Friday. A violent action that once again illustrates the vulnerability of civilians to the brutality of the armed groups operating in the region.
According to local information, around ten civilians were kidnapped, including several wives of soldiers, bringing to at least 15 the number of people missing following this operation by the attackers. This escalation of violence has caused panic among the local population, already traumatized by years of conflict and chronic insecurity.
In recent weeks, residents of the Eringeti, Kainama, Mbau, Kamango area have witnessed a resurgence of attacks attributed to ADF Islamists, after a relatively calm period. These repeated killings are a reminder of the constant threat to the region, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action by the authorities to protect civilians.
Jonas Zawadi, President of the Kainama Civil Society, expressed the need for the armed forces to act in a concerted manner to counter the ADF threat and restore security in the region. The collaboration between the Congolese and Ugandan armed forces, long awaited by the local population, could offer hope for the restoration of peace and stability.
The horror experienced by the civilians of Lese is a stark reminder of the precariousness of life in conflict zones, where insecurity reigns supreme and civilians are held hostage by unscrupulous armed groups. It is imperative that local and international authorities step up their efforts to protect civilians and put an end to this spiral of violence and fear.
In conclusion, the mass kidnapping in Lese is a new dark chapter in the troubled history of North Kivu, highlighting the urgency of concerted and effective action to restore peace and security in the region. It is time to put an end to the terror of armed groups and ensure the protection of civilian populations, who legitimately aspire to live in safety and dignity.