In the bustling city of Bukavu, a dark shadow hangs over the once peaceful streets, fueled by a series of assaults involving children who have broken away from their families, nicknamed the “Maïbobo”. This surge in assault cases has spread fear among local residents, plunging them into uncertainty about their safety and well-being.
According to the South Kivu Civil Society Consultation Framework, 21 incidents involving these young attackers have been monitored over the past three weeks. These children, active mainly during the night hours, target passersby to steal money, mobile phones and other valuables. Their oppressive presence on the city’s main streets from 8 p.m. has created a climate of insecurity and mistrust among Bukavu residents.
Faced with this worrying situation, Hypocrate Marume called on local authorities to take concrete measures to stem this wave of assaults. He called for the establishment of joint PNC-FARDC hot spots to ensure freedom of movement for the population during the end-of-year festivities. This initiative aims to restore a sense of security and serenity in the streets of Bukavu, allowing residents to go about their nighttime activities in peace.
This increase in attacks comes despite previous efforts to combat nighttime insecurity in the city. Indeed, last July, the governor of South Kivu, Jean-Jacques Purusi, launched the installation of 1,000 floodlights at Place de l’Indépendance, with the aim of strengthening security and deterring criminal acts. However, these measures seem insufficient to counter the determination of the “Maïbobo” to sow terror in the streets of Bukavu.
It is imperative that local authorities and civil society work closely together to develop sustainable solutions to protect the population from these attacks. The safety and well-being of Bukavu’s residents must be a top priority, in order to restore the tranquility and dynamism of this once prosperous city.