The situation in the Mambango neighborhood in Beni, in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, raises deep concerns. The inhabitants of this locality denounce the harassment, intimidation and thefts perpetrated by soldiers of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) on their fields and property.
The testimonies collected reveal a climate of tension and growing mistrust towards the armed forces. The inhabitants report that the soldiers deployed in the Mambango camp engage in reprehensible acts by stealing farmers’ products as well as their telephones. These actions undermine the security and peace of civilians who can no longer freely go to their fields.
The neighborhood chief, Jean-Baptiste Kamabale Risasi, spoke out to denounce these unjust practices. He alerted the military and political authorities to these abuses, but denounced the lack of concrete measures taken to remedy them. He also highlights the problem of insufficient rations for soldiers, which he believes pushes them to commit these acts to meet their basic needs.
Colonel Teddy Mpoyi, in charge of Patriotic Civic Education and Social Action within the army in Beni, has taken note of the situation and promises awareness-raising sessions to try to restore trust between the local population and the military. These actions aim to recall the values of integrity, respect and mutual collaboration necessary for peaceful coexistence.
It is essential that the authorities take firm measures to put an end to these abusive practices and restore a climate of trust within the community. Security and respect for the rights of citizens must be top priorities, in order to guarantee the well-being and prosperity of all.
This situation underlines the importance of responsibility and ethics within the armed forces, which must act in the interest of the population and not to its detriment. Promoting dialogue, transparency and respect for fundamental rights is essential to ensure peace and stability in the region.