The disaster struck the locality of Bapakombe Pendekali, in the province of North Kivu, on the night of Friday 20 to Saturday 21 December. The administrative office was the target of an arson attack perpetrated by unidentified individuals. This sad reality is part of a series of acts of sabotage that have recently shaken the region.
The chief of the locality, Aluguma Ambelema Azambi, testified to the incident, indicating that unknown persons arrived on the scene on motorcycles, around 9 p.m., to set fire to the building that housed the intelligence, urban planning, housing and civil registry offices. Unfortunately, all the administrative documents were reduced to ashes, leaving the community in a situation of great vulnerability.
Faced with this ordeal, the local authority calls for solidarity and vigilance from everyone. She warns against armed groups that sow terror and calls on young people to distance themselves from all forms of violence and destabilization. An investigation has been launched to find the culprits of this cowardly act and bring them to justice.
This is unfortunately not the first act of vandalism in the region. Indeed, the day before, police and women and child protection offices were also set on fire in the neighboring localities of Cantine and Aloya. The repetition of these attacks is evidence of growing insecurity that threatens the peace and stability of the population.
It is more necessary than ever to strengthen security measures and promote dialogue to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the region. The reconstruction of the Bapakombe Pendekali administrative office must be a symbol of resilience and determination to overcome trials.
In these dark times, the unity and solidarity of the community will be essential to recover and rebuild a better future. May this fire serve as a reminder of the need to work together for a peaceful and prosperous future for all the people of the North Kivu region.