The nighttime calm of the small town of Oicha, capital of the Beni territory, was disturbed by heavy gunfire that echoed in the darkness, sowing panic among the inhabitants. It would seem that soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) are at the origin of these noises of war, thus provoking an exodus of the population seeking to escape a possible threat.
This new increase in tension in the region has cast a shadow of concern on the already precarious security situation that reigns in North Kivu. The inhabitants, accustomed to armed conflicts and the exactions of rebel groups, were once again confronted with the brutal reality of the violence that is raging in the region.
Contacted for an explanation, Colonel Mak Hazukayi, spokesperson for Sokola 1 operations for the Grand Nord Kivu, tried to reassure by stating that these shots were a reflection of the soldiers’ determination in the face of the rebel threat posed by the M23 in the south of the Lubero territory. According to him, it was a show of force intended to galvanize the troops before heading to the front.
However, despite the explanations given, the incident has caused confusion among the local population, who no longer know which way to turn in the face of such an unstable situation. The inhabitants, already traumatized by years of conflict and violence, are struggling to find respite and hope for a better future.
While awaiting further clarification on this episode of nighttime shootings, the international community remains vigilant on the evolution of the situation in this region ravaged by conflict. Peace and stability seem to be precious and rare commodities in an environment where violence seems to reign supreme.