In Ituri province, more precisely in the Bangole and Bakaheku groups of the Babila Babombi chiefdom, the civil society of Mambasa has sounded the alarm about the alarming recruitment of children by the Mai-Mai militias. According to information reported by Mungeni Imrani, president of this civic structure, the Mai-Mai groups of Kabido and UPLC of Mayani recruit an average of five children per day. This inhuman and despicable practice raises serious concerns about the future of these innocent and defenseless young people.
The appeal launched by Mungeni Imrani to the competent authorities resonates as an urgent necessity to protect these children from the clutches of the militias and offer them the opportunity to continue their education. Indeed, this forced recruitment risks not only compromising the future of these children but also further weakening the community of Mambasa. Civil society stands up against these barbaric practices and calls on the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo to put an end to these criminal acts.
Faced with these shocking revelations, civil society in Mambasa highlights the urgent need to act to protect the region’s youth. The army spokesperson in Ituri has promised to provide a rapid response to this worrying situation.
The recruitment of children by militias is an affront to human dignity and the very future of these young victims. It is imperative that concrete measures be taken to put an end to these practices and to protect the youth of the Ituri region. Faced with this alarming situation, the mobilization of all actors, from local authorities to international organizations, is essential to guarantee a safe and peaceful future for these children in danger.